The Opera North Youth Company is the junior performing wing of Opera North and provides vocal and drama training for young people aged 8-21.

The company – made up of Children’s Chorus (8-11), Young Voices (12-15) and Youth Chorus (16-21) – meet weekly during school term time to part in an exciting year-long programme of performances and projects. It provides training in singing and stagecraft, delivered by a team of vocal and drama specialists.

Rehearsals take place at the Howard Opera Centre in Leeds, putting young people right at the heart of a busy opera company. Members are given unparalleled opportunities to attend rehearsals and performances, as well as gain an understanding of the full range of skills that make up an opera behind the scenes.

Alongside their own performances, the Youth Company perform regularly with the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North and are invited to audition for roles in main stage productions throughout the year.

Many members of the Youth Company use their training as a springboard to continue their studies (and careers) in the arts, but membership also provides many transferable skills and friendships to last a lifetime.

”I honestly think I would be a totally different and lesser person if I hadn’t auditioned ten years ago. The opportunities and experiences that you have given me are among the very best in my life and I will be eternally grateful for that.” – Former Youth Company member

The Opera North Youth Company is generously supported by The late John Barchard and Dr. Claire Barchard, the Derek Hill Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, The Whitaker Charitable Trust, The Keith Howard Foundation and a grant from the Leverhulme Trust for Arts Scholarships.

Ensembles

The Youth Company is split into three ensembles – click on the links below for more information about each group.

How to join

Auditions for Young Voices and Youth Chorus take place annually in the summer. There are no auditions for Children’s Chorus, but we recommend attending one of our taster sessions which take place throughout the year.

We are looking for young people who are passionate about singing and performing, and who are committed to exploring new and exciting ways to tell stories and developing key performance skills. No prior knowledge of opera is necessary, and we welcome applications from singers of all levels.


Applications to join the Opera North Youth Company in September 2024 are now open!

Opera North Children’s Chorus (8-11 Years)

Next taster sessions:
Wed 17 April
Wed 24 April
Wed 10 July
Wed 17 July

Book a taster

Opera North Young Voices (12-15 Years)

Next auditions:
Wed 10 July
Wed 17 July

Book your audition

Opera North Youth Chorus (16-21 Years)

Next auditions:
Wed 8 May
Wed 10 July
Wed 17 July

Book your audition

Youth Company Team

Youth Chorus Master | Nicholas Shaw

Drama Coach | Gemma Woffinden

Vocal Coach | Marie Claire Breen

Accompanist | Jenny Hobbins

Youth Company Manager | Lucy Chivers

Youth Pastoral Coordinator | Annette Windle

Past Projects

The Runaway Royal

The Runaway Royal

In March 2024, the Youth Chorus joined forces with the Youth Orchestra and took on the stage at Leeds Grand Theatre.

Trial by Jury

Trial by Jury

In August 2023, the Opera North Youth Company performed their own take on Trial By Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan.

Brundibar

Brundibar

In January 2022, the Opera North Youth Company performed the children’s opera Brundibar written by Jewish composer Hans Krasa.

Ariadne: A Digital Story

Ariadne: A Digital Story

In August 2021, the Youth Chorus explored the myth of ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’ and created a digital story.

Standing Together

Standing Together

The Youth Chorus composed a new piece around the theme of the holocaust, which was performed at Leeds Town Hall in January 2020 as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day.

Don't Call a Dragon a Worm!

Don't Call a Dragon a Worm!

In April 2019, the Children’s Chorus made their theatre debut at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond. The show was inspired byThe Magic Flute by Mozart.

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