Opera North - Leeds | 4 May 2024 |
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Performance reviews
Key | Photo gallery | Production details | Video link |
Così fan tutteOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 |
A talented cast combined to make Opera North’s Così fan tutte an eminently enjoyable production |
28 Mar 24 / Seen and Heard |
Mozart's Così Fan Tutte at The Lowry is a treat for opera lovers |
23 Mar 24 / I Love Manchester |
A very modern and accessible version of the classic |
23 Mar 24 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Tim Albery’s rendition of Così fan tutte returns with renewed vigour, inviting audiences into a world of intrigue and romance |
11 Feb 24 / The Reviews Hub |
Beautiful voices, stage construction, and music |
10 Feb 24 / Nouse |
A superlative Mozartian cast |
7 Feb 24 / Ilkley Gazette |
A Così fan tutte straight out of the Age of Enlightenment at Opera North |
7 Feb 24 / Bachtrack |
A cat among the pigeons |
5 Feb 24 / The Opera Critic |
Voices and personalities in balance and contrast in revived Albery production |
4 Feb 24 / The Arts Desk |
Cavalleria RusticanaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 |
Opera North’s double bill of Mascagni and Rachmaninov was given highly engaging performances |
27 Mar 24 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North pairs Mascagni’s masterpiece with teenage Rachmaninov in a potent double bill |
25 Feb 24 / The Observer |
The vocal performances emphasise the production’s tensions |
24 Feb 24 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
Love, betrayal, revenge, and ultimately murder cast a long shadow in Opera North’s utterly gripping double bill |
20 Feb 24 / Wharfedale Observer |
An electrifying double-bill from Opera North |
19 Feb 24 / The Guardian |
A powerful tale of two very different one-act operas |
18 Feb 24 / The Opera Critic |
Aleko never catches fire as did Cavalleria Rusticana |
17 Feb 24 / The Reviews Hub |
This production showcases a formidable cast and highlights the emotional parallels between these two operatic worlds |
17 Feb 24 / BNN Breaking |
Similarities and differences explored in Opera North's Cav and Aleko double bill |
17 Feb 24 / Bachtrack |
AlekoOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 |
Opera North’s double bill of Mascagni and Rachmaninov was given highly engaging performances |
27 Mar 24 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North pairs Mascagni’s masterpiece with teenage Rachmaninov in a potent double bill |
25 Feb 24 / The Observer |
Hayward’s Aleko is more successfully urgent than his Alfio |
24 Feb 24 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
Love, betrayal, revenge, and ultimately murder cast a long shadow in Opera North’s utterly gripping double bill |
20 Feb 24 / Wharfedale Observer |
An electrifying double-bill from Opera North |
19 Feb 24 / The Guardian |
A powerful tale of two very different one-act operas |
18 Feb 24 / The Opera Critic |
Aleko never catches fire as did Cavalleria Rusticana |
17 Feb 24 / The Reviews Hub |
This production showcases a formidable cast and highlights the emotional parallels between these two operatic worlds |
17 Feb 24 / BNN Breaking |
Similarities and differences explored in Opera North's Cav and Aleko double bill |
17 Feb 24 / Bachtrack |
Albert HerringOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 5 |
A charming production of Albert Herring |
16 Jan 24 / The Opera Critic |
Opera North has always done well by Albert Herring |
16 Jan 24 / The Reviews Hub |
Eavesdropping on their dramas |
15 Jan 24 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
Opera North’s glorious glimpse of village politics |
15 Jan 24 / The Guardian |
Immersive and intimate fun |
14 Jan 24 / The Arts Desk |
La rondineOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 |
Opera North’s La rondine proves a balm for our troubles today |
24 Nov 23 / Seen and Heard |
This production shows Opera North at its best, showcasing the talents of the entire company |
19 Nov 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North’s stylish Puccini is opulent and tender |
28 Oct 23 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
Galina Averina’s creamy soprano enchants in Doretta’s Dream, the famous coloratura waltz-song |
25 Oct 23 / Ilkley Gazette |
A feast of lyricism and nostalgic sentimentality from Opera North |
24 Oct 23 / Bachtrack |
Sounds utterly beguiling |
24 Oct 23 / The Stage |
An elegant interpretation of this lesser-known work |
23 Oct 23 / The Opera Critic |
What's not to love? Glamour and heart as Puccini's little swallow returns to Opera North |
23 Oct 23 / Planet Hugill |
Leslie Travers’ set and Gabrielle Dalton’s costumes ensure that it looks as good as it sounds |
22 Oct 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Rehabilitation for a Puccini damp squib? |
22 Oct 23 / The Arts Desk |
Masque of MightOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 |
Masque of Might with its message of impending environmental catastrophe has a significant impact |
22 Nov 23 / Seen and Heard |
The production has a larger-than life atmosphere bordering on satire |
18 Nov 23 / The Reviews Hub |
The Masque of Might at the Lowry is 'full of Baroque delight' |
18 Nov 23 / I Love Manchester |
more reviews [+]
A little bit crazy yet done with verve, imagination and style |
30 Oct 23 / Planet Hugill |
Harry Bicket makes Purcell's music sound as if freshly minted |
11 Oct 23 / Wharfedale Observer |
A feast of Purcell in Sir David Pountney’s Masque of Might at Opera North |
10 Oct 23 / Bachtrack |
Recycled Purcell hybrid is inventive and chaotic fun |
9 Oct 23 / The Guardian |
An eco-entertainment that's full of fun |
9 Oct 23 / The Opera Critic |
Musically the evening is sublime |
8 Oct 23 / The Reviews Hub |
FalstaffOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 |
Henry Waddington is compelling in the title role of Opera North’s Green Season Falstaff |
20 Nov 23 / Seen and Heard |
The recycling theme suits Falstaff as it is clear from the opening the rogue knight has fallen on hard times |
17 Nov 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Verdi’s late masterpiece ends on a riotous and sustainable high at Opera North |
8 Oct 23 / The Observer |
more reviews [+]
Henry Waddington is an unforgettable Falstaff |
4 Oct 23 / Ilkley Gazette |
A joyous, green Falstaff opens Opera North's season |
2 Oct 23 / Bachtrack |
Olivia Fuchs directs with energy and a nice grasp of detail |
1 Oct 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North puts a twinkle in Sir John’s eye in gleeful – and green – staging |
30 Sep 23 / The Guardian |
Superbly realised |
30 Sep 23 / The Stage |
Olivia Fuchs' lively production sweeps us along pell-mell |
30 Sep 23 / The Opera Critic |
Going green and having fun |
29 Sep 23 / The Arts Desk |
Les pêcheurs de perlesOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 6 |
The Pearl Fishers stripped of exoticism |
28 May 23 / The Opera Critic |
Matthew Eberhardt’s sanitised version offers little sense of time or place |
25 May 23 / Ilkley Gazette |
Of the four principals Sophia Theodorides makes the major impact |
21 May 23 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Beautifully performed |
18 May 23 / The Stage |
Opera North's Pearl Fishers proves a winner |
18 May 23 / Bachtrack |
‘Concert staging’ of Bizet’s essay in exoticism has its advantages |
17 May 23 / The Arts Desk |
Ariadne auf NaxosOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 |
Opera North’s first Ariadne auf Naxos is positively ‘Comic, heroic and romantic’ |
16 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard |
A splendidly beautiful musical performance |
12 Mar 23 / West End Best Friend |
A slick performance in fine Fellini style |
3 Mar 23 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Elizabeth Llewellyn sounded lustrous as the Prima Donna |
2 Mar 23 / The Spectator |
Antony Hermus’ conducting radiates commitment and energy |
26 Feb 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Rodula Gaitanou’s relocation of Strauss’ opera to an Italian film studio produces great entertainment |
24 Feb 23 / The Stage |
An absorbing and vivid evening |
21 Feb 23 / Opera Today |
Strauss à la Fellini |
21 Feb 23 / Bachtrack |
Strauss’s harlequinade gets a dusting of silver-screen magic |
20 Feb 23 / The Guardian |
ToscaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 |
Opera North’s Tosca revival certainly has the power to captivate an audience |
15 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North’s Tosca revival certainly has the power to captivate an audience |
14 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard |
Giselle Allen develops Tosca from a one-dimensional trivial character to one of the vengeful Furies from legend |
12 Mar 23 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Opera North's Tosca revival contained a ‘Vissi d’arte’ that has rarely sounded less sweet – and I mean that as a compliment |
10 Feb 23 / The Spectator |
Giselle Allen is completely in command of Tosca |
29 Jan 23 / The Reviews Hub |
A welcome revival and one not to be missed |
28 Jan 23 / Yorkshire Post |
Edward Dick’s 2018 modernist production continues to fire on all cylinders |
25 Jan 23 / Wharfedale Observer |
Opera North revives its taut, terrific Tosca |
25 Jan 23 / Bachtrack |
It's all about her |
24 Jan 23 / The Opera Critic |
Modern reworking of the Puccini favourite retains its capacity to surprise and thrill |
24 Jan 23 / The Stage |
The Cunning Little VixenOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 |
Visually the production is stunning |
12 Mar 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North’s Vixen has stood the test of time and is a genuine treat for eyes and ears |
9 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard |
The sounds of the forest come to life |
20 Feb 23 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Close to perfection |
10 Feb 23 / The Spectator |
Janacek’s richly inventive orchestral score reaches its heartwarming spiritual climax |
9 Feb 23 / Ilkley Gazette |
A real ensemble effort in Janáček’s cartoon-based tale of nature and human nature |
7 Feb 23 / The Arts Desk |
David Pountney's charming Cunning Little Vixen revived in Leeds |
7 Feb 23 / Bachtrack |
OrpheusOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 |
Degun’s reinvention of one of the most popular operas of all time is ambitious – and, ultimately, triumphant |
23 Nov 22 / The Mancunion |
A show to be coolly appreciated rather than warmly enjoyed |
21 Nov 22 / The Reviews Hub |
Bold, self-assured reimagining of Monteverdi |
27 Oct 22 / The Spectator |
more reviews [+]
Opera North’s teeming fusion of Monteverdi with Indian classical traditions is an inspired match |
23 Oct 22 / The Observer |
A joyous and charming reimagination of the Orpheus myth |
18 Oct 22 / The Opera Critic |
This is the production that surely couldn’t work |
16 Oct 22 / The Reviews Hub |
Monteverdi meets India |
16 Oct 22 / Bachtrack |
associated articles [+]
The best of both worlds: Opera North’s Orpheus reimagined
Monteverdi’s opera has been reinvented for an orchestra of baroque, classical and Indian instruments, and rescored for a cast of Indian and western classical singers. How? And why?
Monteverdi’s opera has been reinvented for an orchestra of baroque, classical and Indian instruments, and rescored for a cast of Indian and western classical singers. How? And why?
Orfeo ed EuridiceOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 4 |
Alice Coote leads an impressive performance of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice for Opera North |
22 Nov 22 / Seen and Heard |
An energised account of the overture gives a foretaste of the clarity and pace of this production |
1 Nov 22 / Wharfedale Observer |
A minimalist staging that makes its mark |
31 Oct 22 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
It’s all done with grace and poise |
30 Oct 22 / The Reviews Hub |
La TraviataOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 8 |
Máire Flavin’s Violetta made this a most captivating performance of La traviata by Opera North |
19 Nov 22 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North has crafted an approachable and skilful La Traviata |
13 Nov 22 / The Reviews Hub |
Alison Langer strikes the perfect tone as Violetta |
10 Nov 22 / Newark Advertiser |
more reviews [+]
This revival is a stylish, sophisticated treat |
7 Oct 22 / Yorkshire Post |
Memorable revival of La Traviata by Opera North |
4 Oct 22 / Ilkley Gazette |
Opera North keeps it simple with focus on singing |
2 Oct 22 / Music OMH |
A nostalgic yet fun revival of La Traviata |
2 Oct 22 / The Opera Critic |
Opera at its best |
30 Sep 22 / The Reviews Hub |
ParsifalOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 12 |
Brindley Sherratt’s breathtaking Gurnemanz shines in semi-staged production |
4 Jul 22 / OperaWire |
Parsifal magic shimmers at the Festival Hall |
29 Jun 22 / The Article |
Wagner’s music casts its spell |
29 Jun 22 / Global Circulate |
more reviews [+]
Much to admire in Parsifal from Opera North despite staging and casting missteps |
28 Jun 22 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North’s Parsifal brings a touch of the divine to London’s Royal Festival Hall |
28 Jun 22 / Opera Online (English) |
A completely satisfying operatic experience |
16 Jun 22 / The Spectator |
Opera North’s new Wagner production is one to remember |
12 Jun 22 / The Observer |
Wagner's brilliant music conquers all qualms in Opera North's Parsifal |
7 Jun 22 / Bachtrack |
Under Farnes, the orchestra brings the full range of sound from hushed chords to vast climaxes |
5 Jun 22 / The Reviews Hub |
Parsifal weaves its mysterious magic |
4 Jun 22 / The Opera Critic |
The shimmering beauty of Wagner’s score shines |
3 Jun 22 / The Guardian |
Bold touches and thrilling high points in Wagner’s 'stage consecration festival play' |
2 Jun 22 / The Arts Desk |
associated articles [+]
A knight’s tale
Brindley Sherratt on the stamina and storytelling of Wagner’s Parsifal.
Brindley Sherratt on the stamina and storytelling of Wagner’s Parsifal.
CarmenOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 |
Has one of the most performed operas reached its sell-by date? |
31 Mar 22 / Chronicle Live |
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 |