Highlights
All Performances
Sounds of Palestine: Nai Barghouti | Mohamed Najem & Friends
27 Jul 2017
Leeds
Howard Assembly Room
Sounds of Palestine: Nai Barghouti | Mohamed Najem & Friends
Moving seamlessly between Arabic music and jazz, two of the most exciting musicians to emerge from the cultural renaissance in Palestine take to the stage.
Nai Barghouti recently toured with the Palestine Youth Orchestra, selling out concert halls from Glasgow to London. She returns with her band of musicians from Palestine, Korea, Tunisia and Nigeria.
She’s followed by favourites of the Paris jazz scene, Mohamed Najem & Friends. Featuring traditional Arabic instruments alongside standard jazz line-ups, both groups move effortlessly between the music of the Middle East and Jazz, to find a new musical language.
All artists are donating part of their fee to the UNICEF efforts in Syria. For more information, please contact NiNi Productions: info@niniproductions.co.uk
The Symphonic Sounds of Back to Basics: with the Orchestra of Opera North
28 Jul 2017
Leeds
Millennium Square
The Symphonic Sounds of Back to Basics: with the Orchestra of Opera North
Part of Millennium Square Summer Series
Back to Basics celebrates an incredible 25 years at the forefront of UK club culture with a spectacular outdoor celebration in the heart of Leeds at Millennium Square.
Together with Leeds' own symphony orchestra, Back To Basics founder Dave Beer, in partnership with Leeds City Council, is preparing to stage the greatest party yet. Huge dancefloor anthems are reworked and performed live by a 50-piece orchestra, together with live vocalists and some very special guests to be announced.
Since its inception in the early 90s, Back to Basics has blazed a trail for the Leeds club scene and for this concert in collaboration with Leeds City Council they’ll be pulling out all the stops. The Symphonic Sounds of Back To Basics marks the first collaboration between the promoter and the Orchestra of Opera North, as two contrasting Leeds-based music institutions come together to celebrate the full range of the city’s sensational musical offering.
| DJ sets | 7.15pm |
| Event starts | 8.30pm |
| DJ set (interval) | 9.15-9.45pm |
| Event ends | 10.30pm |
Additional information
Approximately 3 hour 15 minutes (includes concert and two 30 minute DJ sets). Suitable for ages 14+. Standing tickets only. Full venue information available in the Millennium Square FAQ.
Weekend Passes
Weekend Passes are available from the box office: (0113) 376 0318
A Night at the Opera: with the Orchestra of Opera North
29 Jul 2017
Leeds
Millennium Square
A Night at the Opera: with the Orchestra of Opera North
Part of Millennium Square Summer Series
Opera North dazzles with music from opera and the stage in an open-air summer celebration in the heart of Leeds at Millennium Square.
Performing some of the finest operatic arias and show-stopping songs from the musicals – and including exclusive previews from Opera North’s upcoming season at Leeds Grand Theatre - the Orchestra of Opera North will serve up a feast of classic masterpieces, lesser-known delights and toe-tapping numbers.
Joining the orchestra are Opera North luminaries Quirijn de Lang (Cinderella, Kiss, Me Kate, The Marriage of Figaro) and Jeni Bern (Kiss, Me Kate, The Ring, La Bohème, The Marriage of Figaro), who will be on hand to enchant with instantly-recognisable arias from Puccini’s heart-breaking Madama Butterfly and Mozart’s towering Don Giovanni, among other greats from the operatic canon.
The Golden Age of Musicals is represented by sparkling selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s much-loved Carousel, Cole Porter’s sizzling comedy Kiss Me, Kate and more. With street food, craft beer and wines from the very best local suppliers this summer evening is guaranteed to leave you feeling positively ‘WUNDERBAR’!
The playing of the Opera North orchestra is so darn hot it’s practically a fire-risk.
— The Guardian on Kiss Me, Kate
de Lang has a magnetic presence and the mahogany-toned voice is focused and used to compelling effect.
— Opera Britannia
You’d search long and hard to find a stronger vocal duo than Quirijn de Lang’s sardonic matinee idol of a Fred Graham sparring with Jeni Bern’s glamorously volatile Lilli Vanessi.
— The Stage
Supported by Classic FM
Additional Information
Gates open at 6pm. Ends 9.15pm. Full venue information available in the Millennium Square FAQ.
Weekend Passes
Weekend Passes are available from the box office: (0113) 376 0318
£40 VIP Seats
VIP Package includes: Prime seat location / Complimentary prosecco and programme on arrival / Exclusive access to the bar in Civic Hall / Complimentary tea and coffee served in Civic Hall / Exclusive use of the washroom facilities at Civic Hall / VIP Lanyard
Back to the Future: In Concert with the Orchestra of Opera North
30 Jul 2017
Leeds
Millennium Square
Back to the Future: In Concert with the Orchestra of Opera North
Part of Millennium Square Summer Series
Power up your DeLorean… recharge your flux capacitor… and get ready to celebrate this unforgettable movie classic as you’ve never seen and heard it before!
Back to the Future, staring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover, is the 1.21-gigawatt blockbuster that topped the 1985 box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture.
In this time-traveling coming-of-age story, Marty McFly (Fox) suddenly finds himself transported back to 1955… where he struggles to change the destiny of his parents (Thompson, Glover), rescue an eccentric friend (Lloyd) from terrorists, and solve an alternative-plutonium crisis… all while trying to ensure he has a future to get back to!
Now, fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future like never before – on a big hi-def screen with a full symphony orchestra performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live in synch with the movie.
Audiences will also be in for an exclusive treat: approximately twenty minutes of brand new music added by award-winning composer Silvestri to the film's score especially for these unique live orchestra presentations.
Additional Information
Gates open at 4pm. Full venue information available in the Millennium Square FAQ.
Weekend Passes
Weekend Passes are available from the box office: (0113) 376 0318
£30 VIP Seats
VIP Package includes: Prime seat location / Exclusive access to the bar in Civic Hall / Complimentary tea and coffee served in Civic Hall / Exclusive use of the washroom facilities at Civic Hall / VIP Lanyard
Back to the Future is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and U-Drive Joint Venture. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
The joyous and uplifting musical voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, referred to by Nelson Mandela as ‘South Africa’s cultural ambassadors’, marry the intricate rhythms and harmonies of Zulu traditions to the sounds and sentiments of gospel music.
The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience ever since Paul Simon first worked with them in his 1986 Graceland album. The group combine powerful choruses and softer, almost whispering chants where voices blend harmoniously, with tightly-choreographed dance moves.
Early booking strongly recommended.
Though they sing entirely a cappella, their songs have a rhythmic spring, and their dance moves are light-footed and elegant
Daily Telegraph
Music and Movement at The Deep
Join us at one of Hull’s most iconic venues for a series of fun 45 minute workshops, where adults, tots and babies can explore music together in a friendly environment.
Participants have the chance to sing songs, explore instruments, play games and generally have fun with music.
Absolutely wonderful. We loved the songs (lovely to hear new ones!) the instruments made it magical - the sea theme is fantastic!
— A participant
Sessions aim to introduce music and movement at the earliest stages of a child’s development to spark a life-long connection with the arts.
They also provide the ideal environment in which adults and infants can bond through creative play.
Join us to explore some of our favourite inhabitants of The Deep!
Please note: entry to the Deep is not included in the ticket price
Little Listeners
Players from Opera North's renowned symphony orchestra create a specially designed concert for parents, carers and children.
Relaxed and full of energy, this interactive concert will give you and your child the chance to hear wonderful music close up, move around with the music and even join in with songs.
Suitable for 0-5 years
Orchestra of Opera North: Ripon International Festival 2017
2 Sep 2017
Harrogate
Royal Hall
Orchestra of Opera North: Ripon International Festival 2017
Part of Ripon International Festival 2017
Janusz Piotrowicz, Conductor
Borodin’s exotic oriental showpiece follows a vivid portrayal of the most poignant love story. Shostakovich’s gripping masterpiece was composed during the Stalin era: the heroic opening, a raging emotional tempest, the 3rd movement – the heart and soul of the piece – filled with beautiful melodies in the strings with woodwind, harp and celeste; the thrilling Finale an expression of defiance cloaked in celebration. The premiere in 1937 was a huge success, the audience giving a 40-minute ovation. Expect a scorching performance!
...rarely will you hear the anger and bitterness of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony unleashed with such unremitting force and acerbity. It took the Orchestra to the edge of their combined virtuosity .. the Allegro was taken just about as fast as any orchestra could tackle, but it worked in adding that final tingle factor.
(Orchestra of Opera North/Piotrowicz) — Yorkshire Post
| Tchaikovsky | Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture |
| Borodin | Polovtsian Dances |
| Shostakovich | Symphony No. 5 |
Kirklees Lunchtime Concerts: George King
13 Sep 2017
Dewsbury
Dewsbury Town Hall
Kirklees Lunchtime Concerts: George King
Part of Kirklees Lunchtime Concert Season 2017-18
George King, Piano
Back by popular demand, George King will perform a combination of classical masterpieces and jazz standards all woven together with his unique improvisatory twist. His continued draw is testament to the skill and versatility of this seasoned perfomer who is as much at home with the music of Debussy and Beethoven as he is with that of Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck.
Subscription packages now on sale.
To save money and become a subscriber, download form or call Kirklees Box Office on 01484 225 755.
Inside Opera: The Little Greats
Do you want to learn more about this exciting season and what goes into staging an opera?
Join key members of The Little Greats cast and creative team, including director Annabel Arden and director/designer Charles Edwards, for a lively discussion in the Howard Assembly Room.
Pagliacci (The Clowns)
16 Sep - 18 Nov 2017
Nationwide
Touring 5 theatres
Pagliacci (The Clowns)
Ruggero Leoncavallo's shot of pure operatic adrenaline
Part of The Little Greats
In the thrilling curtain-raiser to the season, Leoncavallo carves a ‘bleeding slice of life’ out of the tale of a touring theatre troupe preparing for a show. Canio is eaten up with jealous suspicion of his wife, the leading lady. When he learns the truth of her faithlessness, the performance of the play is derailed by real life passion spun out of control, and the stage becomes the scene of a violent reckoning. Pagliacci is an operatic rollercoaster, hurtling towards a bloody climax that unfolds in front of the shocked on-stage audience.
Strap in tight and get ready to career from laughter to horrified awe as comedy and tragedy collide amidst scintillating melodies. Pagliacci includes some of the most famous music ever written for Italian opera, including the heartbroken Canio’s ‘show must go on’ aria ‘Vesti la giubba’ and Tonio’s Prologue.
Running Time
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Language
Sung in Italian with English titles
See Pagliacci in a double bill with...
| Pagliacci / L'enfant et les sortileges | Sat 16 September | Leeds | |
| Pagliacci / L'enfant et les sortileges | Sat 23 September | Leeds | Pre-performance Talk |
| Pagliacci / Cavalleria rusticana | Sat 30 September | Leeds | |
| Pagliacci / Cavalleria rusticana | Thu 12 October | Leeds | Pre-performance Talk |
| Pagliacci / Osud | Wed 18 October | Leeds | Pre-performance Talk |
| Pagliacci / Cavalleria rusticana | Sat 21 October | Leeds | Pre-performance Talk |
| Pagliacci / Cavalleria rusticana | From Thu 26 October | On tour in a fixed double bill |
L´enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Magic Spells)
16 Sep - 18 Nov 2017
Nationwide
Touring 5 theatres
L´enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Magic Spells)
Maurice Ravel's bewitching childhood fantasy
Part of The Little Greats
A naughty child assaults everything in his room after he is told off by his mother for not doing his homework. Gradually, the objects around him – furniture, clocks, crockery – come to life. Out in the garden, events take an even more disturbing turn when all the trees and animals rebuke him for the injuries he has done them in the past. Can the child redeem himself?
With colourful characters including a pair of singing cats, a teapot and china cup duo, a talking armchair, a tree-frog and a squirrel, Colette’s magical words are set by Ravel to a spellbinding musical score. This darkly brilliant opera celebrates the mysteries of childhood and will amuse and enchant adults and children alike.
L'enfant et les sortilèges is our schools' matinee.
Running Time
Approximately 45 minutes
Language
Sung in French with English titles
See L'enfant et les sortilèges in a double bill with...
| Pagliacci / L'enfant et les sortilèges | Sat 16 September | Leeds | |
| Pagliacci / L'enfant et les sortilèges | Sat 23 September | Leeds | Pre-performance Talk |
| Trial by Jury / L'enfant et les sortilèges | Fri 29 September | Leeds | Pre-performance Talk |
| L'enfant et les sortilèges (Matinee) | Sat 7 October | Leeds | |
| Osud / L'enfant et les sortilèges | Fri 20 October | Leeds | |
| L'enfant et les sortilèges / Osud | From Sat 28 October | On tour in a fixed double bill |