Opera North unveils its captivating lineup for the 2024-2025 season, promising a spellbinding array of productions brimming with magic, mystery, and mesmerizing music.
Dedicated to ensuring that the enchanting world of opera and music is accessible to all, Opera North has implemented innovative measures such as 6pm start times, increased matinee performances, English subtitles for all shows, and accommodations like sign interpretation, audio description, and touch tours on selected dates.
Introducing new ticket schemes, Opera North invites newcomers to experience the magic of opera firsthand. Initiatives like the "Try it ON" scheme offer affordable ticket options, including £20 tickets for first-timers, £10 tickets for Under 30s and students, and complimentary tickets for 16- to 20-year-olds, aiming to broaden the audience base and foster a love for opera among diverse demographics.
At the heart of the season lies Mozart's timeless masterpiece, "The Magic Flute," embarking on a North-wide tour from September to March. Directed by James Brining, Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse, this enchanting opera promises to captivate audiences of all ages, following the success of Brining's recent collaboration with Opera North on Lerner and Loewe's classic musical, "My Fair Lady."
In addition to the main production, Opera North presents a condensed 90-minute version of "The Magic Flute," aptly titled "The Magic Flute Lite," tailored for families, schools, and daytime audiences seeking a compact yet enthralling experience.
The season continues with revivals of Benjamin Britten's evocative interpretation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," helmed by director Martin Duncan, and Gilbert and Sullivan's uproarious Gothic parody, "Ruddigore," directed by Jo Davies. An extra Relaxed and Dementia-friendly performance of "Ruddigore" in Leeds ensures a comfortable and inclusive environment for all attendees.
In January 2025, Opera North delves into Kurt Weill and Alan Jay Lerner’s 1948 musical, "Love Life," showcasing the innovative spirit that shaped American musical theatre. Under the baton of leading Weill expert James Holmes, this limited run in Leeds promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience.
A new production of Richard Wagner’s dramatic "The Flying Dutchman," directed by Annabel Arden and conducted by Garry Walker, embarks on a theatrical journey across Northern theaters in February and March 2025.
The season culminates with Opera North's acclaimed dramatic concert staging of Verdi’s "Simon Boccanegra," featuring the orchestra and chorus front and center. Beginning at St George’s Hall, Bradford, during the city’s UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations, the tour traverses concert halls in Liverpool, Gateshead, Nottingham, and Hull before concluding at London’s Royal Festival Hall, promising an unforgettable grand finale to a season filled with artistic splendor and musical excellence.
