On aut16 leeds brochure

DER ROSENKAVALIER STRAUSS

IL TABARRO / SUOR ANGELICA

A PUCCINI DOUBLE BILL

BILLY BUDD BRITTEN

SEP – OCT 2016 LEEDS GRAND THEATRE BOOK ONLINE OPERANORTH.CO.UK

WELCOME

What makes opera special is its capacity to reach deep into our hearts and souls – to amplify life’s most intense moments in drama and music of overwhelming power. The productions in Opera North’s autumn season will move and enthral you as they explore eternal human experiences: love and loss, jealousy and desire, sin and redemption, envy and goodness.

In Der Rosenkavalier, a woman must come to terms with the passing of time as she bids farewell to her young lover.

In Il tabarro, a man is driven to murderous despair by his wife’s infidelity.

In Suor Angelica, a woman who has sinned and lost what she most loved finally finds redemption.

And in Billy Budd, a man consumed by envy and hatred destroys the life of one who radiates goodness and beauty.

These four operas are brought to the stage by teams of highly imaginative and talented singers, musicians, directors and designers. At the heart of it all are Opera North’s nationally-acclaimed Chorus and Orchestra – the Chorus fresh from their success in Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods at West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Orchestra from their triumph in Wagner’s Ring cycle. All bring rare expertise and passion to everything they do.

But that’s not all. Opera North is so much more than the work it produces in the theatre. In these pages you’ll also discover more about our lively, diverse and enterprising line-up of events in the Howard Assembly Room; about concerts by the Orchestra of Opera North, including Berlioz’s hair-raising Symphonie Fantastique conducted by our new Music Director, Aleksandar Markovic; about a whole host of activities that reach out to young people and our wider community; and about how you can enjoy a closer relationship with the Company.

We hope you’ll join us soon,

Richard Mantle General Director

17 SEP – 28 OCT

RICHARD STRAUSS

DER

ROSENKAVALIER A SUMPTUOUS STAGING OF STRAUSS’S GREAT HUMAN COMEDY

The Marschallin, a 30-something aristocrat, is having an affair with the much younger Count Octavian. Although fearful he will leave her for a younger woman, she engineers the first meeting between her lover and the beautiful young Sophie, who is being forced into marriage with the unlovable Baron Ochs – with inevitable consequences.

Perfectly poised between comedy and pathos, Der Rosenkavalier supplies an evening of gorgeous music, sumptuous costumes, and romantic intrigue, by turns comic and moving.

‘This is a Rosenkavalier to delight the seasoned Straussian, to convince the sceptical, and to beguile the uninitiated.’

Daily Telegraph Related events...

Free pre-performance talks

CAST INCLUDES

Feldmarschallin Ylva Kihlberg Octavian Helen Sherman Baron Ochs Henry Waddington Sophie von Faninal Fflur Wyn Herr von Faninal Paul Gibson Italian Tenor Jung Soo Yun Conductor Aleksandar Markovic Director David McVicar Revival Director Elaine Tyler-Hall Set Designer David McVicar Costume Designer Tanya McCallin Lighting Designer Paule Constable Lasts approximately 4 hours Sung in German with English titles

Audio Description by Opera North Friday 30 September 6.30pm, touch tour 5.15pm.

Supported by Dr Keith Howard OBE and the Howard Family Originally staged by Scottish Opera

Before performances on 24 September 3.00pm – 3.30pm; 30 September & 28 October 5.30pm – 6.00pm.

All welcome, please book in advance with the Box Office.

Inside Opera

Howard Assembly Room, Saturday 17 October, 5.15pm – 6.00pm Explore Opera North’s production of Der Rosenkavalier in the company of members of the cast and creative team. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance at the Box Office.

#ONRosenkavalier

Ylva Kihlberg as Feldmarschallin taken by Hugo Glendinning

@Opera_North OperaNorth OperaNorth

1 – 26 OCT

GIACOMO PUCCINI

IL TABARRO SUOR ANGELICA NEW PRODUCTION

TWO INTENSE OPERAS, ONE EVENING OF VINTAGE PUCCINI. Il tabarro, the first of Puccini’s Il trittico trio of one-act operas, is a noir thriller set in working class Paris. Giorgetta takes a lover and drives her husband Michele to murderous despair. A love triangle is at the heart of this very human drama and at its climax, a cloak reveals a dark and bloody secret...

Suor Angelica focuses on one of the most heart-rending human experiences. Sister Angelica is confined to a convent following the scandal of an illegitimate son. After years of missing her child every day, she discovers that he died a long time ago. Angelica is plunged into suicidal despair yet the end of the opera holds out the promise of redemption.

Join us on an emotional journey from the darkly atmospheric music of Il tabarro to the ethereal beauty of Suor Angelica.

Related events...

Free pre-performance talks

Before events on 8, 14, 26 October, 6.00 – 6.30pm. All welcome, please book in advance with the Box Office as places are limited.

David Butt Philip as Luigi and Anne Sophie Duprels as Suor Angelica taken by Hugo Glendinning

IL TABARRO

Michele Ivan Inverardi Giorgetta Giselle Allen Luigi David Butt Philip Conductor Jac van Steen / Anthony Kraus Director David Pountney Revival Director Michael Barker-Caven Set Designer Johan Engels Costume Designer Tom Pye Lighting Designer Mark Doubleday

SUOR ANGELICA

Suor Angelica Anne Sophie Duprels La Zia Principessa Patricia Bardon Conductor Jac van Steen / Anthony Kraus Director Michael Barker-Caven Set & Costume Designer Hannah Clark Lighting Designer Mark Doubleday Lasts approximately 2 hours 20 in total Sung in Italian with English titles

Audio Description by VocalEyes Wednesday 26 September 7.00pm, touch tour 5.45pm.

Supported by the

Friends of Opera North

#ONTabarro #ONAngelica

@Opera_North OperaNorth OperaNorth

18 – 29 OCT

BENJAMIN BRITTEN

NEW PRODUCTION

BILLY BUDD

A GRIPPING PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA SET ABOARD A WARSHIP ADRIFT ON THE HIGH SEAS Discover the dramatic tale of Billy Budd, a young sailor who radiates beauty and goodness, and the failure of Captain Vere to save him from the destructive forces of envy. Embark on a powerful psychological journey of one man’s inner turmoil as the past comes back to haunt him...

The powerful music, all-male cast, and the intensity of the story make this, for many, Britten’s greatest operatic achievement. A cast of today’s leading Britten interpreters has been carefully assembled for Opera North’s brand new staging headed

by Roderick Williams as Billy and Alan Oke as Captain Vere (left), directed by Orpha Phelan and designed by Leslie Travers.

With its evocative music, stellar cast and stunning set, Opera North’s new production promises an unforgettable experience.

CAST INCLUDES

Captain Vere Alan Oke Billy Budd Roderick Williams John Claggart Alastair Miles Mr Redburn Peter Savidge Mr Flint Adrian Clarke Lieutenant Ratcliffe Callum Thorpe Red Whiskers Daniel Norman Donald Eddie Wade Dansker Stephen Richardson Conductor Garry Walker Director Orpha Phelan Set & Costume Designer Leslie Travers Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Lasts approximately 3 hours Sung in English

Captioned performance Thursday 27 October, 7.00pm A co-production with Nederlandse Reisopera

#ONBudd

Alan Oke as Captain Vere taken by Hugo Glendinning

@Opera_North OperaNorth OperaNorth

COMING IN 2017...

ON SALE NOW

TURANDOT PUCCINI

CONCERT STAGING Jan – Feb 2017 Leeds Grand Theatre

28, 30 Apr, 12 May 2017 Leeds Town Hall

Experience the extraordinary with an Opera North Season Ticket Save up to £70 The more operas you book, the bigger the discount Spread the cost Pay in monthly instalments Free gift voucher £5, £10 and £15 vouchers available dependent on the size of the package Advances programmes just for you Free P&P only for Season Ticket holders Cheaper parking With our special vouchers Book online at operanorth.co.uk/seasontickets

Orchestra of Opera North In collaboration with Kirklees Council and Classic FM, the Orchestra of Opera North, Yorkshire’s own symphony orchestra, is back for another year of wonderful music making in Kirklees. Join us for a series of captivating concerts from popular music and classic gems to festive favourites and fairy tales.

Fantastic Dreams and Visions Thu 22 Sep, Huddersfield Town Hall The Kirklees Concert Season opens with Opera North’s new Music Director, Aleksandar Markovic, conducting a sensational programme featuring Scriabin’s Nuances, Rachmaninov’s Variations on a theme of Paganini and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.

How it works: The Orchestra Sun 23 Oct, Huddersfield Town Hall Using well-known repertoire, this concert explains how all of the musical instruments work and how they come together to create the huge machine that is the Orchestra; perfect for young and old alike.

Opera North Christmas Concert Thu 15 Dec, Dewsbury Town Hall The Orchestra of Opera North is joined by the combined voices of Opera North’s Chorus, Youth and Children’s Choruses for an evening designed to thaw the winter chill.

Take time out of your busy day and relax with some beautiful music at the Lunchtime Chamber Concert Series at Dewsbury Town Hall.

Wed 28 Sep David Greed, Leader of the Orchestra, is joined by Jessica Burroughs, Principal Cellist, and Anthony Kraus, Assistant Head of Music, to perform works by Beethoven and Dvorák.

Wed 26 Oct Opera North’s Head of Music, David Cowan, and Associate Artist, mezzo-soprano Heather Lowe, take a break from rehearsals for a programme of light-hearted repertoire from across the musical spectrum.

Wed 16 Nov Featuring music by Rutter and Poulenc and with other jewels to discover, this is bound to be a delightful way to while away a lunchtime.

Viennese Whirl

HUDDERSFIELD & DEWSBURY

TOWN HALLS

Thu 29 Dec, Huddersfield Town Hall With two soloists and an orchestra, Aleksandar will waltz you through all-time favourites and march us all into the New Year in true style.

Photography by Richard Moran

Tickets: kirkleestownhalls.co.uk 01484 225 755

Opera North Education Opera North Education seeks to encourage people to explore the art form of opera and the work of Opera North; to enrich lives, excite a new generation and engage communities.

Explore with us Family Activity One-off workshops, small-scale family shows and ‘Little Singers’ weekly programme for pre-school children.

Children’s Chorus Young people aged 8-14 can develop a life-long love of singing with Opera North. Weekly rehearsals provide expert training and guidance which develops outstanding vocal technique and musicianship skills. Members perform throughout the year both locally and nationally alongside professionals.

Youth Chorus Young singers age 14 – 19 can develop the skills and experience needed to become well-rounded performers. Exploring music from a range of genres, singers develop their singing voice and musicianship skills in weekly sessions; drama and stagecraft skills are developed with professional directors and movement specialists.

Schools Activity Schools can work with professional artists either on site or at Opera North to enhance their delivery of the school curriculum.

Lifelong Learning ‘Sing ON’ into the twilight years with weekly meeting groups in Leeds and Dewsbury.

Find out more about how you can get involved: operanorth.co.uk/ education-and-engagement education@operanorth.co.uk 0113 223 3520

Schools’ matinee 2017 – Hansel and Gretel

Seeing a world-class opera company in performance is an incredible experience. It is a great way to engage young people with classical music and introduce them to the vibrant, dramatic world of opera.

These matinees have been specially programmed for schools’ audiences, and will provide a truly unique experience for your pupils.

Written by German composer, Engelbert Humperdinck between 1891 and 1892, this version of the tale by the Brothers Grimm is perhaps the best-loved operatic fairy tale of all. The music magically evokes the contrasting worlds of the story, from the daily struggle for survival of an impoverished family, to the world of the forest, both idyllic and full of danger.

We would recommend this opera for anyone over the age of 10. It runs at approximately 2 hours (including one interval).

When & where:

Get closer to Opera North Opera North produces world-class opera. The Company is a vibrant, lively organisation which actively challenges conventional perceptions of opera and breathes new life into the classics. Opera North is also a strong advocate of lesser-known works and a champion of musical theatre.

Opera North Education is one of the leading arts education departments in the country, engaging 15,000 young people and adults each year through a wide range of workshops and creative projects that encourage young people and local communities to explore the tangible benefits of music.

Opera North Projects uses the mainstage as inspiration to present an annual programme of diverse activities that develop the art form of opera through the creation of innovative projects, the development of new audiences and investment in artists.

Friend

From £45 per year

Associate

From £350 per year

It costs £15 million a year to run Opera North.

We raise this sum from the following sources:

Patron

£10.6 million Arts Council England generous grant

Business Partner

£2.4 million earned income £2 million through fundraising

Wednesday 22 February, 2.00pm Leeds Grand Theatre

How to book: boxoffice@operanorth.co.uk or call 0844 848 2720 Calls will cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge

Play your part in the future of Opera North so that we can continue to excite, challenge and entertain.

Join now as a...

Join us: operanorth.co.uk/support-us

From £1500 per year From £1000 per year There are so many ways to get involved and support the work of Opera North. For more information please contact development@operanorth.co.uk or call 0113 223 3711

Upcoming highlights include...

‘One of Leeds’ most innovative venues for diverse music and art’ Vibrations

The Master Musicians of Jajouka

Sarah Connolly & Joseph Middleton

Wednesday 28 September 7.45pm £15

Saturday 26 November 7.15pm £20

The propulsive grooves and Sufi trance-like melodies of The Master Musicians of Jajouka preserve one of the oldest known musical traditions on the planet and have been championed by artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones and Ornette Coleman.

Opera North and Leeds Lieder are proud to present stellar mezzo soprano Sarah Connolly and pianist Joseph Middleton in a rare performance of English song alongside Schumann’s Funf Lieder op.40 and Ravel’s song cycle Scheherazade based on the heroine of the Arabian Nights.

Entrance via Leeds Grand Theatre

Complete beginner?

Opera buff?

We’ve got something for everyone. From exclusive events and pre-show talks to discounted food and drinks with some of the best bars and restaurants in town, the U30s scheme has your night out taken care of!

Join us for FREE and you can see breath-taking opera for as little as £10*

Tickets: howardassembly room.co.uk 0844 848 2727

Flit

The Tallis Scholars

Saturday 29 October 7.45pm £15

Tuesday 20 December 7.15pm £25

Musicians from Mogwai, The Unthanks and Portishead are brought together

by Lau’s visionary accordionist Martin Green, to explore stories of migration through atmospheric songs, set within a world of breath-taking stop-motion animation.

The Tallis Scholars light up the festive season with early music associated with Christmas from John Taverner and some of the lesser-known master composers of the Renaissance.

operanorth.co.uk/ under-30s *£10 tickets available for week day performances.

This offer is extended for selected performances.

Photography by Tom Arber

EORGE S

Il tabarro / Suor Angelica Audio Description by VocalEyes Wednesday 26 September 7.00pm, touch tour 5.45pm.

Billy Budd Captioned performance Thursday 27 October, 7.00pm For alternative formats of this leaflet please call 0113 223 3500. The theatre is an accessible space. Full access details at leedsgrandtheatre.com or contact the Box Office.

See More, Save More

Choose 3+ operas and save up to 15%, plus other great benefits.

Visit operanorth.co.uk/seasontickets for full details.

Dine in Style

Make the most of your night with a delicious meal before the opera.

Visit operanorth.co.uk for details on the various meal deals available.

Touring to Newcastle, Salford Quays, Nottingham and Edinburgh Nov – Dec 2016 Visit operanorth.co.uk for more information

BOAR LANE QUEEN’S HOTEL

LEEDS RAIL STATION

Leeds Grand Theatre is situated on New Briggate in the heart of Leeds City Centre.

The Howard Assembly Room is located inside Leeds Grand Theatre.

The theatre is easily accessible by public transport. It is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the main bus station and 15 minutes’ walk from the train station with many buses stopping in the immediate vicinity.

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Family ticket: 50% off for up to four aged 18/under with each adult ticket Groups of 10+: 20% off plus one free seat for the organiser Income Support, Pension Credit, JSA, Leeds Card Extra: £10 best available excl. Dress Circle Disabled people: 25% off (essential carer free)

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Retired over 60 & Leeds Card holders: £3 off excl. £15 tickets Under 30 or full time students: £10 tickets available for week day performances. This offer is extended for selected performances. For details, visit operanorth.co.uk/under-30s

All offers and discounts are subject to availability, exclude £15 tickets, and cannot be applied retrospectively. One discount per ticket. Most discounts not available online as proof of status must be shown.

We reserve the right to change prices.

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OPENING AUTUMN 2016

VICTORIA GATE JOHN LEWIS KIRKGATE MARKETS

TREET DUNC AN S

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Der Rosenkavalier Audio Description by Opera North Friday 30 September 6.30pm, touch tour 5.15pm.

Premium seats available, please contact Box Office for more information.

All bookings incur a £1.50 transaction fee. There is a £1 charge for posting out tickets.

Monday – Friday

MERRIO

NEW

Sat 17 Sep Der Rosenkavalier 6.30pm Sat 24 Sep Der Rosenkavalier 4.00pm Fri 30 Sep Der Rosenkavalier 6.30pm Sat 1 Oct Il tabarro/Suor Angelica Sat 8 Oct Il tabarro/Suor Angelica Fri 14 Oct Il tabarro/Suor Angelica Tue 18 Oct Billy Budd Thu 20 Oct Il tabarro/Suor Angelica Fri 21 Oct Billy Budd Sat 22 Oct Der Rosenkavalier 6.30pm Wed 26 Oct Il tabarro/Suor Angelica Thu 27 Oct Billy Budd Fri 28 Oct Der Rosenkavalier 6.30pm Sat 29 Oct Billy Budd

Stalls from £37.50 Dress Circle from £37.50 Upper Circle from £25 Balcony from £25 Upper Balcony from £15

Discounts

PARK ROW

All performances start at 7.00pm unless otherwise stated.

Prices

EAST PARADE

Dates and times

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Opera North Box Office, 32 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ

FIRST DIRECT ARENA

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Calls will cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge

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CIVIC HALL

BRIGGATE

operanorth.co.uk Box Office: 0844 848 2720

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How to find us

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How to book

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WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE

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For the most up to date information on local bus and train times, please check WYMetro. There is also a taxi rank outside the theatre although we recommend booking a taxi in advance, particularly on a Friday or Saturday evening.

@Opera_North OperaNorth OperaNorth

Parking is available at various nearby car parks, including Edward Street, Templar Street and the St John’s and Merrion Centre shopping malls.

The information in this leaflet is published in good faith, but changes may occasionally be necessary. In the event of unforeseen circumstances Opera North reserves the right to change casts of performances.

Principal Partner

Major Supporter

Media Partner

Registered Charity Number 511726 Artwork by Opera North Photography by Hugo Glendinning