Opera North

About Opera North Opera North is a distinguished national opera company based in Leeds, England, and is recognized as a leading arts organization within the United Kingdom. With a vision that is both rooted in the North of England and international in its outlook, Opera North is dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences every day through the medium of music and opera, with the aim to entertain, engage, challenge, and inspire audiences. Established as an opera company that tours its award-winning work to theaters and concert halls across the North and beyond, including performances in London and at major international festivals, Opera North is known for its innovative and ambitious productions. The company also curates a diverse range of artistic events including gigs, concerts, spoken word, and film screenings at the Howard Assembly Room, a venue that forms part of its cultural offering. Opera North holds the belief that opera and music should be accessible to everyone and actively champions diversity among artists, repertoire, and audiences. The company's Learning & Engagement team collaborates with professional artists to provide a variety of opera-related participatory arts and family performance activities, aimed at creating extraordinary experiences for people of all ages. The organization is supported by Arts Council England and Leeds City Council, as well as by sponsorship from the private sector, trusts, individuals, and the Friends of Opera North. This support, along with the Opera North Future Fund and box office income, enables the company to continue producing its critically acclaimed work. Opera North's purpose is encapsulated in its commitment to creating extraordinary experiences every day. The company strives to redefine what it means to be an opera company in the 21st century by continually innovating across art forms. It is dedicated to making opera a radical and all-encompassing art form, maintaining a sense of energy and experimentation at the heart of its work. Opera North's goals include connecting deeply and meaningfully with communities, advocating for the value of culture, and shaping the future of opera by reaching new audiences and fostering a diverse base of future performers and patrons. The company has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the arts with numerous awards, including the Achievement in Opera at the UK Theatre Awards, Best Stage Production at the Asian Media Awards, and the Outstanding Achievement in Opera at the Critics’ Circle Awards, among others. Opera North's commitment to the community is also reflected in its status as the UK's only opera company to have been awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status, acknowledging its work with refugees and sanctuary seekers. Moreover, the company has demonstrated a strong dedication to environmental responsibility, integrating sustainable practices into its operations. The Music Works redevelopment campaign, a transformative project for Opera North's home, was completed with an investment of £18 million. This redevelopment has allowed the company to open new spaces and offer world-class music facilities to the public. Opera North is registered as a charity in England and has its headquarters at the Howard Opera Centre in Leeds. The company maintains an active online presence, offering newsletters and engaging with audiences through various social media platforms.