| Opera North - Leeds | 2 June 2024 |
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Cavalleria Rusticana
Aleko
La rondine
Falstaff
Les pêcheurs de perles
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Performance reviews
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Der Ring des NibelungenOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 49 | |
Götterdämmerung: There was a vocal triumph to be witnessed in the shape of Kelly Cae Hogan’s Brünnhilde |
 5 Jul 16 / Opera Britannia |
Siegfried: A few too many elements undermined the overall impression of the performance |
| 4 Jul 16 / Music OMH |
Siegfried: Opera North’s Siegfried disappoints |
| 4 Jul 16 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Götterdämmerung: Full immersion, total immolation: Götterdämmerung crowns Opera North's magnificent Ring |
| 4 Jul 16 / Bachtrack |
Götterdämmerung: An outstanding Ring goes out in a blaze of glory |
| 4 Jul 16 / The Arts Desk |
Das Rhengold/Die Walküre: Splendid stuff |
| 3 Jul 16 / Express |
Siegfried: Opera North’s ‘Ring’ cycle is compelling listening |
| 3 Jul 16 / Classical Source |
Die Walküre: Kelly Cae Hogan and Robert Hayward were superb as Brünnhilde and Wotan |
| 2 Jul 16 / Music OMH |
Das Rheingold: The performance needed more dramatic “zing” in the unfolding |
| 2 Jul 16 / Opera Britannia |
Die Walküre: Richard Farnes and his orchestra engaged with this score far more purposefully and positively than they did with the opener |
| 2 Jul 16 / Opera Britannia |
Die Walküre: Opera North continues to put many starrier, yet in no sense superior, companies to shame |
| 2 Jul 16 / Opera Today |
Das Rheingold/Die Walküre: Circles of the mind |
| 2 Jul 16 / The Critics' Circle |
Die Walküre: Opera North's orchestra are the true heroes |
| 1 Jul 16 / The Guardian |
Die Walküre: An unforgettable evening |
| 1 Jul 16 / Classical Source |
Das Rheingold: Opera North’s magnificent Das Rheingold comes to London |
| 1 Jul 16 / Seen and Heard |
Die Walküre: Superb playing and singing from Opera North in Die Walküre |
| 1 Jul 16 / Seen and Heard |
Das Rheingold: Opera North's back-to-basics Wagner feels like a liberation |
| 30 Jun 16 / The Guardian |
Das Rheingold: Richard Farnes conducted extremely well |
| 30 Jun 16 / Music OMH |
Das Rheingold: Richard Farnes’s conducting grabbed from the very start |
| 30 Jun 16 / Classical Source |
Das Rheingold: The reddest in tooth and claw of all Wagner’s dramas - which is saying something |
| 30 Jun 16 / Opera Today |
Die Walküre: Disobedient daughter, outraged wife: Wotan's woes mount in Opera North's Die Walküre |
| 30 Jun 16 / Bachtrack |
Das Rheingold: Dipping a toe into the Rhine: Wagner therapy from Opera North |
| 29 Jun 16 / Bachtrack |
Das Rheingold: The long-awaited Ring is ready to ignite |
| 29 Jun 16 / Evening Standard |
Götterdämmerung: Kelly Cae Hogan has been truly exceptional as Brünnhilde |
| 21 Jun 16 / The Reviews Hub |
Die Walküre: A show that leaves you eager for the next bite |
| 16 Jun 16 / The Reviews Hub |
Das Rheingold: One or two words which sum up the production: Fantastic fantasy |
| 15 Jun 16 / The Reviews Hub |
Die Walküre: The principal singers gave their all |
| 9 Jun 16 / Nottingham Post |
Das Rheingold: The orchestra is in many ways the Ring's most important 'character' |
| 9 Jun 16 / Nottingham Post |
Full cycle: An unqualified triumph for the departing Music Directior, Richard Farnes |
| 2 Jun 16 / Independent |
Full cycle: Opera North's ambitious project to tour a complete Ring cycle is triumphantly fulfilled |
| 1 Jun 16 / What's on Stage |
Full cycle: Opera North’s Ring launched as full cycle to glorious effect |
| 26 May 16 / Seen and Heard |
Siegfried: Siegfried by Opera North shows its humorous side |
| 17 May 16 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
Die Walküre: Sublime Wagner aches with regret |
| 10 May 16 / Ilkley Gazette |
Die Walküre: Vivid and thrilling |
| 2 May 16 / Telegraph |
Das Rheingold: The emotional impact of this Leeds Ring Cycle will be talked about for decades |
| 30 Apr 16 / Ilkley Gazette |
Das Rheingold: Four-star performance by Opera North |
| 26 Apr 16 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
Das Rheingold: A mouth-watering start |
| 26 Apr 16 / The York Press |
Das Rheingold: Opera North's Das Rheingold is uncomfortably authentic Wagner |
| 25 Apr 16 / Telegraph |
associated articles [+]
Ring the changes: my austerity Wagner with Opera North
The Ring cycle may be the pinnacle of operatic ambition, but, as Opera North’s critically acclaimed production shows, it needn’t cost the earth to perform or watch. Conductor Richard Farnes reflects on an affor
The Ring cycle may be the pinnacle of operatic ambition, but, as Opera North’s critically acclaimed production shows, it needn’t cost the earth to perform or watch. Conductor Richard Farnes reflects on an affor
Opera North's Richard Farnes departs with The Ring
There can be few more challenging tasks as a conductor than taking on the whole of Wagner's The Ring Cycle - but that is the one that has been handed to Richard Farnes for his final assignment at Opera North.
There can be few more challenging tasks as a conductor than taking on the whole of Wagner's The Ring Cycle - but that is the one that has been handed to Richard Farnes for his final assignment at Opera North.
Why Opera North decided to stage an opera which lasts 16 hours
After seven years in the planning stage, Opera North next week embark on the ambitious project of six complete cycles of Richard Wagner’s epic drama, Der Ring des Nibelungen.
After seven years in the planning stage, Opera North next week embark on the ambitious project of six complete cycles of Richard Wagner’s epic drama, Der Ring des Nibelungen.
Into the WoodsOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Performance wise, the co-production between West Yorkshire Playhouse and Opera North is a visual and aural treat |
| 13 Jun 16 / The Gay UK |
Opera North casts spell on Sondheim fairytale |
| 12 Jun 16 / The Guardian |
With a cast consisting of Opera North chorus members, the musical qualities are assured |
| 12 Jun 16 / Express |
more reviews [+]
Sondheim's beans still work their magic |
| 11 Jun 16 / The York Press |
Hats off to the terrific cast of Opera North's Into the Woods |
| 10 Jun 16 / Telegraph |
PleasureOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 15 | |
This new opera had the audience in tears |
| 19 May 16 / The Spectator |
As a piece of theatre Pleasure doesn’t hold up |
| 17 May 16 / A Younger Theatre |
As a first opera it shows great promise |
| 15 May 16 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
Eminently theatrical, but something is missing |
| 14 May 16 / Evening Standard |
Simpson’s score is dark and atmospheric |
| 14 May 16 / Music OMH |
A refreshing operatic experience |
| 14 May 16 / Bachtrack |
Rich, complex and well-paced |
| 13 May 16 / The Stage |
A new opera by Mark Simpson set in the toilets of a gay nightclub |
| 9 May 16 / What's on Stage |
In the end it’s the ordinariness of the story, its realness, which sets it apart from the expected |
| 5 May 16 / Liverpool Echo |
Unmissable |
| 3 May 16 / The York Press |
Lesley Garrett is fabulous as a perceptive toilet attendant |
| 2 May 16 / The Guardian |
My toes were curled in a rictus of embarrassment at this new opera |
| 30 Apr 16 / Telegraph |
Lesley Garrett shines as the lady of the loo |
| 30 Apr 16 / The Guardian |
Opera diva Lesley Garrett like you've never seen her before |
| 30 Apr 16 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
With its stripped back presentation, Pleasure is a quite intense piece of theatre |
| 30 Apr 16 / The Gay UK |
associated articles [+]
Welcome to the Pleasuredome … Mark Simpson's opera debut
Eight years ago Simpson told drag queens in Liverpool he was going to write an opera about them. How does it feel to see his project – Pleasure – finally become a reality on the stage at Opera North?
Eight years ago Simpson told drag queens in Liverpool he was going to write an opera about them. How does it feel to see his project – Pleasure – finally become a reality on the stage at Opera North?
Andrea ChenierOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 15 | |
Well staged and well sung Andrea Chénier from Opera North |
| 22 Mar 16 / Seen and Heard |
The musical team here are among the best Opera North has ever presented |
| 21 Mar 16 / Manchester Evening News |
The vocal performances are amazing |
| 21 Mar 16 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Opera North scores a triumph with Annabel Arden's lean, intelligent staging |
| 10 Feb 16 / What's on Stage |
Opera North's visceral new production of Andrea Chenier is unmissable |
| 31 Jan 16 / Ilkley Gazette |
Passion on the scaffold |
| 28 Jan 16 / The Critics' Circle |
A pen mightier than the guillotine |
| 25 Jan 16 / The Observer |
Opera North delivers vocal clout in Andrea Chénier |
| 22 Jan 16 / Seen and Heard |
An outstanding new production of Giordano’s highly charged drama, Andrea Chenier |
| 22 Jan 16 / Yorkshire Post |
Great singing and impeccably judged conducting |
| 21 Jan 16 / The Guardian |
A thrilling evening |
| 21 Jan 16 / Telegraph |
A thrilling production |
| 21 Jan 16 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
Andrea Chenier is a pièce de résistance to mark the start of Opera North’s 2016 season |
| 21 Jan 16 / The Reviews Hub |
An impressive cast brings strong vocal and narrative values to Giordano’s opera |
| 21 Jan 16 / The Stage |
Opera North's Andrea Chénier full of modern relevance |
| 21 Jan 16 / Bachtrack |
L'elisir d'amoreOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 5 | |
The old jokes are the best |
| 21 Mar 16 / Manchester Evening News |
La dolce vita comes to Donizetti's opera |
| 27 Feb 16 / The Guardian |
Opera North's L'elisir d'amore bubbles with life in Leeds |
| 20 Feb 16 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
L'Elisir d'Amore is a stunning production |
| 19 Feb 16 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
L’elisir d’amore revival ensures maximum feel good factor |
| 19 Feb 16 / Seen and Heard |
Così fan tutteOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 8 | |
This Così Fan Tutte is 12 years old and still excellent value |
| 21 Mar 16 / Manchester Evening News |
Professional Così fan tutte revival in Salford fails to attract a good audience |
| 21 Mar 16 / Seen and Heard |
In a show that’s so unavoidably misogynistic it makes sense not to avoid it |
| 18 Mar 16 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Tim Albery's Cosi for Opera North locks onto the opera's misogyny with sadistic intensity |
| 12 Feb 16 / The Spectator |
A stunning and scintillating show |
| 9 Feb 16 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North’s revival of Così fan tutte is “as good as it gets” |
| 6 Feb 16 / Seen and Heard |
A virile Don Alfonso and resplendent Fiordiligi lift Opera North's revival |
| 5 Feb 16 / The Guardian |
An intelligent and welcome revival of Così fan tutte at Opera North |
| 5 Feb 16 / Bachtrack |
JenufaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 | |
A devastating Jenufa - if you could hear it |
| 3 Dec 15 / The Spectator |
A gruesome opera by Janáček superbly staged and performed by Opera North in Salford |
| 16 Nov 15 / Seen and Heard |
Swedish soprano Ylva Kihlberg was an extraordinarily youthful Jenůfa |
| 13 Nov 15 / Manchester Evening News |
more reviews [+]
Musically challenging, emotionally draining and deeply disturbing |
| 6 Nov 15 / Chronicle Live |
Janáček's opera hits home in a strongly cast, musically thrilling revival |
| 30 Oct 15 / What's on Stage |
Opera North's captivating Jenůfa |
| 27 Oct 15 / Bachtrack |
Opera doesn’t get much better than this |
| 27 Oct 15 / Music OMH |
Opera North's revival is in great shape vocally |
| 27 Oct 15 / The Guardian |
Welcome return of Opera North’s Jenufa |
| 26 Oct 15 / Seen and Heard |
Kiss me, KateOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Opera North do Cole Porter proud with a spectacular Kiss Me, Kate |
| 20 Nov 15 / Seen and Heard |
The all-singing all-dancing staging was fast-paced, exuded joy and was performed with panache |
| 10 Nov 15 / The Northern Echo |
Opera North deliver a scintillating production of Kiss Me, Kate |
| 9 Nov 15 / Chronicle Live |
more reviews [+]
Please let's have more musicals like this Kiss Me, Kate |
| 8 Oct 15 / The Spectator |
Opera North's Kiss Me Kate is sheer joy |
| 6 Oct 15 / Bachtrack |
Don't miss this Kiss |
| 3 Oct 15 / The York Press |
Opera North rethinks Cole Porter’s classic |
| 28 Sep 15 / The Observer |
Kiss Me, Kate by Opera North is simply unmissable |
| 27 Sep 15 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
Bringing joy and skill to frothy Cole Porter |
| 26 Sep 15 / The Guardian |
This is a more than honourable addition to Opera North’s impressive record of mounting musicals |
| 26 Sep 15 / Telegraph |
Il barbiere di SivigliaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 4 | |
This production has lift-off – at last |
| 14 Oct 15 / The York Press |
Opera North's supremely theatrical Barber of Seville |
| 10 Oct 15 / Bachtrack |
Young cast shine in Opera North's Barber of Seville at Leeds Grand Theatre |
| 9 Oct 15 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
more reviews [+]
Young talent meets old-school staging |
| 9 Oct 15 / The Guardian |
Der Fliegende HolländerOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Opera North's concert staging of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman offered the true High Definition opera experience |
| 13 Jul 15 / Nottingham Post |
A passionate, intense take on Wagner |
| 6 Jul 15 / Independent |
Opera North's perfect theatrical storm |
| 2 Jul 15 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
Strong singing and intelligent design make this new staging of Wagner's early masterpiece highly recommendable |
| 2 Jul 15 / Telegraph |
A riveting evening |
| 30 Jun 15 / The York Press |
An enthralling dramatised concert performance |
| 30 Jun 15 / Opera Britannia |
Opera North's exciting Der fliegende Holländer at Leeds Town Hall |
| 30 Jun 15 / Bachtrack |
CarouselOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Don't miss this sumptuous revival of musical masterpiece Carousel |
| 20 May 15 / Keighley News |
Uplifting it certainly is, but you’ll still need the Kleenex! |
| 19 May 15 / Opera Britannia |
Strong (and strongly sung) performances feature throughout the cast |
| 16 May 15 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
more reviews [+]
Opera North gives the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway favourite a deservedly popular third spin |
| 16 May 15 / The Guardian |
Opera North's revival of Carousel spins again at the Leeds Grand Theatre |
| 16 May 15 / Bachtrack |
Full of moments of grace |
| 15 May 15 / Telegraph |
A rousing rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic |
| 15 May 15 / The Stage |
SwanhunterOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 | |
An enthralling new co-production with The Wrong Crowd |
| 21 Apr 15 / Opera Britannia |
Folk tale and myth combine in Dove’s Swanhunter |
| 10 Apr 15 / Seen and Heard |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Loewe
31 May to 29 Jun 2024
Mozart
27 Sep 2024 to 29 Mar 2025
Puccini
29 Sep to 5 Oct 2024
Britten
12 Oct to 20 Nov 2024
Gilbert & Sullivan
26 Oct to 21 Nov 2024
Weill
16 to 18 Jan 2025
Wagner
1 Feb to 28 Mar 2025
Mozart
20 Feb to 20 Mar 2025
Verdi
24 Apr to 24 May 2025
News & Articles
| Opera North mourns death of Company Manager |
The company took to social media to announce, "It is with huge sadness that Opera North learned this week of the death of our much-loved Company Manager, Jane Bonner." |
| 7 Oct 2023 / OperaWire |
| Knighthood for Opera North director Richard Mantle |
The long-serving director of Opera North has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours. |
| 17 Jun 2023 / BBC News |
| Opera North General Director to retire in 2023 |
Opera North has announced that Richard Mantle will retire as General Director in 2023 after almost 30 years of leading the Company. |
| 13 Sep 2022 / OperaWire |
| Opera North announces 2022-23 season |
The season begins in September 2022 with a revival of Alessandro Talevi’s well received Belle Époque production of La traviata. |
| 10 Mar 2022 / Broadway World |
| Opera North launches new female conductor traineeship |
Female conductors based in the UK are being called on to apply for an intensive new ten-week training scheme aimed at addressing the gender balance in conducting and classical music. |
| 16 Jul 2021 / Classical-music.com |
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