Opera North’s talented Chorus sits at the heart of the Company and is intrinsic to its success both on the stage and in the wider community.
‘…let me take my hat sweepingly off and hail the brilliant team that is Opera North’s chorus’ – The Telegraph
The Chorus of Opera North began life when the Company was founded in 1978. Since then, it has established an enviable reputation for quality and versatility. A key feature of most of our productions in Leeds and on tour, the Chorus has appeared at festivals both in this country and overseas, including at Aldeburgh, Edinburgh, Wiesbaden, Ravenna and Bregenz. The singers can also often be heard in concert in the Howard Assembly Room and further afield.
Chorus-centred projects in recent years include a critically-acclaimed recording of the original version of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra with the Hallé Orchestra; Requiem: Journeys of the Soul with Phoenix Dance Theatre which was filmed for BBC4, and co-productions with Leeds Playhouse of My Fair Lady, A Little Night Music and Into the Woods. They will be performing The Sound of Music at Leeds Grand Theatre together with the Orchestra of Opera North in spring 2026.
Away from the stage, Chorus members help deliver Learning and Engagement and outreach activities, such as the award-winning online From Couch to Chorus participative workshops and holding performances in schools. Keen to share their passion for music, this year has seen them working with the BBC Leeds Bantam of the Opera choir for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Chorus Master: Anthony Kraus
Stephanie Corley as Susan Cooper with the Ladies of the Chorus of Opera North © James Glossop
