OverWorlds & UnderWorlds

From the imaginations of The Quay Brothers

One unreal weekend in Leeds beckons. The city is the canvas for a remarkable multi-location event curated by internationally acclaimed artist-filmmakers The Quay Brothers. Live performances, installations, light, music, dance, film and singing shops will transform the city's streets and spaces.  Performances at County Arcade and the Dark Arches, an eruption on Briggate, everything in between is there to be discovered. Join at any point and pick up your map, allowing a leisurely couple of hours to explore. 

Visit overworldsandunderworlds.com or follow @OW_UW for details.  Part of the Arts Council of England Cultural Olympiad 2012, 'Artists Taking the Lead', the project draws together creative talent from across Yorkshire to be inspired by the people and the buildings of Leeds for an unforgettable experience. 

Featuring composer Gavin Bryars and the Opera North Children’s Chorus.

County Arcade performances: Fri 5pm, 7pm; Sat 2.30pm, 5pm, 7pm; Sun 2pm, 3.15pm.

Dark Arches open: Fri 5-9pm; Sat 4-9pm; Sun 2-5pm.

Deluge!
Watery worlds and unruly, displaced water created by Yorkshire-based artists popping up in empty shops in the City Centre for the duration of O&U, inspired by songs or stories about water. Full details are in the 'Additional Events' section below.

www.overworldsandunderworlds.com

Leeds Canvas is a partnership between Opera North, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds Art Gallery, Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance, Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Met Gallery and Leeds City Council.

It takes two.... Opera’s greatest duets

Experience a night at the opera unlike any other with some of the greatest double acts in opera. At this free summer event meet lovers and heartless villains, kings and courtesans, and hear some of the greatest stories of all time in some of opera’s most magical and unexpected duets. 

This unique chance to hear the power and beauty of operatic voices up close is a perfect introduction to opera. 

Part of European Opera Days. Directed by Daniel Norman.

Music: Mélodies and Chansons

By Jacques Brel, Debussy, Fauré and Poulenc

Baritone: Thomas Oliemans
Piano: Malcolm Martineau
Accordion & arrangements: Bert van den Brink

The wryly poetic songs of the master of French popular song, Jacques Brel, lie at the heart of this tour through the story of great chanson. Sung by the charismatic Dutch baritone Thomas Oliemnas, the evening also includes pieces by Debussy, Fauré and Poulenc. 

The arrangements are by Bert van den Brink, an extraordinarily versatile classical and jazz pianist/accordionist who has worked with musicians including Chet Baker. Join us for a memorable evening of French (and nearly French) song.

‘...Malcolm Martineau...the ever-immaculate accompanist...’ The Guardian on Martineau’s recording of the Songs of Francis Poulenc.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic: The New World

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic are firmly established as favourites with Kirklees audiences and this popular and accessible programme should be another hit. Dvořák’sNew World Symphony is, rightly, an enormously popular classic. Of the finale of Mozart’s great C minor Piano Concerto, Beethoven said to a pupil: ‘You and I will never be able to write anything like that’. Czech specialist Jakub Hrůša completes the programme with one of Smetana’s most entertaining tone poems.

Conductor: Jakub Hrůša
Piano: Evgeny Sudbin

Words: Dancing on Broadway with Kim Brandstrup

Kim Brandstrup is one of Europe’s most influential and in-demand contemporary choreographers. He has worked with leading international ballet companies, as well as in film and theatre. Perhaps surprisingly, Brandstrup is also a passionate devotee of the Broadway musical and is currently choreographing Opera North’s production of Carousel.

In this unique event, he discusses the great post-war Broadway musicals, illustrated with film clips, exploring the influence of ballet, contemporary dance and Hollywood on Broadway. Chaired by Opera North’s Projects Director, Dominic Gray.

Highlights of Kim Brandstrup’s career include his work with The Royal Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Rambert Dance Company, English National Opera and Teatro alla Scala, Milan.

‘A key to the way Kim Brandstup shapes choreography– makes it tell stories, explore moods, stimulate our reactions to movement - lies in his initial interest in cinema, and his formal studies in film’ Financial Times

Participate: Create your own Broadway Musical Number

You don’t have to be Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers to enjoy this entertaining workshop as no dance experience is necessary. To accompany Opera North’s production of Carousel, we are holding a workshop to celebrate the vivacity of musical theatre. 

You’ll have the chance to learn the moves of some classic Broadway numbers in a session that is fun-filled and family friendly. Whether adult or child, you’ll all be leaving with a spring in your step!

Grab your coat and get your hat, leave your worries on the doorstep, just direct your feet to the…Howard Assembly Room! 

Suitable for 8 + and their families