The Selfish Giant

John Barber & Jessica Duchen

6 – 7 August 2022

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Join us for a timeless tale of selfishness and redemption. A giant and his beautiful garden descends into an eternal winter. The only way to bring it back to life is through an unlikely friendship and an important lesson of kindness and compassion.

Directed by Emma Black, this new youth opera based on Oscar Wilde’s beloved children’s short story, features young voices from the Opera North Youth Company performing alongside professional soloists and musicians from the Orchestra of Opera North.

John Barber’s score conjures the magic and mystery of the garden, capturing the imagination and taking you on a journey through the seasons.

‘…an opera to last, balancing clarity and lyricism, avoiding cliché
— The Times

A new co-commission with Garsington Opera by John Barber and librettist Jessica Duchen.

Price

£5 under 18, £10 adults

Running time
Approximately 65 minuntes

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Creative team

DIRECTOR

Emma Black

CONDUCTOR

Nicholas Shaw

DESIGNER

Zac Doughty

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Jacob Gowler

COMPOSER

John Barber

LIBRETTIST

Jessica Duchen

PIANIST

Elizabeth Jones

The performances will be accompanied by players from the Orchestra of Opera North

Cast

THE GIANT

Matthew Stiff

THE LINNET

Julia Mariko

THE CHILD

Barnaby Scholes

WINTER VOICES, SPRING VOICES & SPRING VOICES SEMI CHORUS

Members of the Opera North Youth Company

Howard Assembly Room
Man performs on stage with atmospheric lighting

Howard Assembly Room

Find all the information you need to make the most of your trip to our venue in the heart of Leeds.

Under 30s membership
A man performing at the Howard Assembly Room, stood on stage surrounded by musicians.

Under 30s membership

Aged 16–29 or a full-time student? Join our free membership for discount gig, opera and concert tickets.

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