| Opera North - Leeds | 1 June 2020 |
click here for a gallery of photos from recent productions
click here for more photos for
Click below forproduction trailers
The Turn of the Screw
Le nozze di Figaro
Street Scene
La bohème
The Greek Passion
You've been granted free access to this page.
Take a FREE 7 DAY TRIAL or SUBSCRIBE today to access the full content of theoperacritic.com.
Free access
Performance reviews
| Key | 
Photo gallery
|
Production details
|
Video link
|
Street SceneOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 11 | |
A testament to working-class struggle and the struggle of women |
 4 Apr 20 / The Mancunion |
A finely-wrought staging |
| 5 Mar 20 / The Northern Echo |
A superbly conducted, well sung and impeccably designed production of Kurt Weill’s ‘Broadway opera' |
| 22 Feb 20 / Music OMH |
more reviews [+]
Opera North's Street Scene is full of vim and verve |
| 18 Feb 20 / The Opera Critic |
Love thy neighbour |
| 28 Jan 20 / The Critics' Circle |
Opera North revels in a night on the town with Kurt Weill |
| 27 Jan 20 / The Observer |
Street Scene will be a delight to lovers of Weill’s Americana |
| 26 Jan 20 / The Reviews Hub |
Intricate staging of Kurt Weill’s opera |
| 21 Jan 20 / The Stage |
Opera North's thrilling Street Scene brings Golden Age Broadway to Leeds |
| 21 Jan 20 / Bachtrack |
Full justice for murder in Manhattan |
| 20 Jan 20 / The Guardian |
An unfussy and sympathetic production – shame Kurt Weill’s opera is a snooze |
| 20 Jan 20 / Telegraph |
The Turn of the ScrewOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Alessandro Talevi resonates with even more disturbing undertones |
| 1 Mar 20 / Ilkley Gazette |
Opera North, under the direction of Alessandro Talevi, puts on a well done production of The Turning of the Screw |
| 23 Feb 20 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North deliver a chilling Turn of the Screw |
| 20 Feb 20 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
Madeleine Boyd’s set and costumes create a sense of stifling seclusion |
| 17 Feb 20 / Music OMH |
Le nozze di FigaroOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
The warm response from a full house was richly deserved |
| 1 Mar 20 / Ilkley Gazette |
The warm response from a full house was richly deserved |
| 19 Feb 20 / Ilkley Gazette |
Progresses at a rapid lick |
| 5 Feb 20 / On: Yorkshire Magazine |
more reviews [+]
Joyous and witty |
| 4 Feb 20 / The Stage |
Exuberant revival of Opera North's Marriage of Figaro |
| 4 Feb 20 / Bachtrack |
It is entertaining from beginning to end |
| 4 Feb 20 / The Reviews Hub |
A genuinely funny, true ‘company’ version of Mozart’s great work |
| 3 Feb 20 / Music OMH |
Duke Bluebeard's CastleOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 3 | |
One hell of a concert |
| 13 Dec 19 / The Spectator |
Opera North’s concert performance gets right to the heart of Bartók’s opera |
| 9 Dec 19 / The Observer |
A perfectly balanced programme |
| 1 Dec 19 / The Reviews Hub |
La bohèmeOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 6 | |
An impressive and deeply engaging production of Puccini’s La bohème |
| 7 Dec 19 / The Mancunion |
Renato Balsadonna conducts Opera North’s La bohème empathetically, but time this production was retired |
| 15 Nov 19 / Seen and Heard |
The production has returned reinvigorated with two new international casts |
| 31 Oct 19 / The Northern Echo |
more reviews [+]
the orchestra was the star of the show in this welcome return of Phyllida Lloyd’s straightforward, mostly unsentimental production |
| 24 Oct 19 / Music OMH |
Opera North again put on an excellent performance |
| 15 Oct 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Another sparkling revival of La bohème by Opera North |
| 15 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
Giulio Cesare in EgittoOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Rare, abbreviated, yet superbly staged performance of Handel’s Giulio Cesare from Opera North |
| 18 Nov 19 / Seen and Heard |
The vocal performances are what matter here |
| 17 Nov 19 / The Reviews Hub |
A Giulio Cesare well worth seeing |
| 2 Oct 19 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Opera North's inventive Giulio Cesare a stirring tribute to Handel |
| 1 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
Albery’s production is austere yet rich in association, singer-focused and a true company endeavour |
| 30 Sep 19 / Music OMH |
Vicious scheming and visual splendour, but seduction too: Opera North's revival of Handel's Giulio Cesare |
| 30 Sep 19 / Planet Hugill |
The Baroque style is superbly captured by an accomplished international cast |
| 30 Sep 19 / Wharfedale Observer |
The Greek PassionOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 11 | |
The Greek Passion is a triumph for the Opera North Chorus and designer Charles Edwards |
| 18 Nov 19 / The Reviews Hub |
A terrific company achievement |
| 30 Sep 19 / Planet Hugill |
A powerful Martinů rarity |
| 29 Sep 19 / The Observer |
more reviews [+]
Opera North redonne sa chance (avec succès !) à The Greek Passion de Bohuslav Martinu |
| 27 Sep 19 / Opera Online |
The Greek Passion resonates just as much today than it did over 60 years ago |
| 22 Sep 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Martinů's gripping Greek Passion from Opera North |
| 19 Sep 19 / Opera Today |
Opera North brings Martinu's opera powerfully to life |
| 18 Sep 19 / The Opera Critic |
Accessible and affecting |
| 18 Sep 19 / The Stage |
Martinů’s fierce opera brings home refugee crisis |
| 17 Sep 19 / The Guardian |
Pertinence and power |
| 16 Sep 19 / The Arts Desk |
An opera for our times |
| 16 Sep 19 / Bachtrack |
AidaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 | |
This is a production that really does prove that less staging really is more |
| 16 Jun 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Annabel Arden’s concept makes Verdi’s opera seem strikingly relevant |
| 30 May 19 / Wharfedale Observer |
The evening proved that the right kind of opera works equally well, sometimes better, away from the opera house |
| 23 May 19 / The York Press |
more reviews [+]
An unforgettable Aida where less is more |
| 23 May 19 / The Opera Critic |
Une Aïda jouissive à l'Opera North de Leeds |
| 14 May 19 / Opera Online |
Alexandra Zabala (Aida) and Alessandra Volpe (Amneris) make memorable Opera North debuts |
| 12 May 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Innovative and daring, Opera North delights with its production of Aida |
| 7 May 19 / The Scarborough News |
Opera North rethinks Verdi's epic with formidable results |
| 3 May 19 / The Guardian |
A triumph of music-making from a powerhouse company |
| 3 May 19 / Telegraph |
A radical approach to an operatic warhorse by Opera North |
| 3 May 19 / Bachtrack |
Die ZauberflöteOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 12 | |
Opera North stuns audiences with magical Mozart production |
| 14 Mar 19 / The Clitheroe Advertiser and Times |
Opera North’s uneven new production of Magic Flute lacks clarity in Salford |
| 11 Mar 19 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North bring an entirely accessible production to a wide-ranging audience |
| 7 Mar 19 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Destination unknown |
| 3 Feb 19 / The Critics' Circle |
Was it all a dream in Opera North’s new Magic Flute? |
| 28 Jan 19 / The Observer |
James Brining needs to learn that, in opera, less is more |
| 26 Jan 19 / The York Press |
An ambitious production |
| 22 Jan 19 / The Stage |
A fetching, inventive Magic Flute – with a dark side |
| 22 Jan 19 / Bachtrack |
A good-looking production which lacks the necessary magic |
| 21 Jan 19 / Telegraph |
Dark, eclectic and disquieting |
| 21 Jan 19 / The Guardian |
This conventional staging enlivened by whizzy video effects is sandbagged by a lack of energy |
| 21 Jan 19 / The Times |
The company of Opera North put on an outstanding performance |
| 21 Jan 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Gianni SchicchiOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 4 | |
The opera is beautifully Directed by Christopher Alden |
| 13 Mar 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Last Rites: Puccini meets Stravinsky in Leeds |
| 18 Feb 19 / Bachtrack |
A double bill of contrasts |
| 18 Feb 19 / The Times |
more reviews [+]
The cast colourfully portrays the chaotic characters |
| 18 Feb 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Kat'a KabanovaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Emotion does not come rawer than in Opera North’s version of Katya Kabanova |
| 9 Mar 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Tim Albery’s dimly lit production stokes up the claustrophobic, loveless atmosphere of small town respectability |
| 6 Mar 19 / Wharfedale Observer |
The acting is superbly believable and the storytelling gripping |
| 5 Feb 19 / The Times |
more reviews [+]
Stephanie Corley's emotive and moving performance portraying this troubled character is very memorable |
| 5 Feb 19 / The Reviews Hub |
It's grim up North: a heartbreaking Katya Kabanova in Leeds |
| 4 Feb 19 / Bachtrack |
Silent NightOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Opera North’s Silent Night is a moving missive for our troubled times |
| 17 Dec 18 / The Sunday Times |
A 100-strong male voice chorus gave the resounding premiere of Kevin Puts’s first world war opera |
| 10 Dec 18 / The Observer |
The futility of war: Opera North gives Kevin Puts’ Silent Night its UK première |
| 4 Dec 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Involving and thought-provoking |
| 4 Dec 18 / The Stage |
First world war opera is an overwhelming emotive experience |
| 4 Dec 18 / The Guardian |
This American opera about the Great War is almost a winner |
| 3 Dec 18 / The Times |
One of those fusions of original creation and production where everything works perfectly |
| 3 Dec 18 / The Reviews Hub |
This fresh and engaging take on war and peace wins battle with Britten |
| 2 Dec 18 / Telegraph |
ToscaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 11 | |
From it’s sudden opening to the emotional ending, there was not a low point in the show |
| 21 Nov 18 / The Mancunion |
Opera North’s Tosca will leave you quivering |
| 27 Sep 18 / The Spectator |
An evening that could hardly be more passionate |
| 26 Sep 18 / The York Press |
more reviews [+]
A Tosca of Belly Punching Power from Opera North |
| 25 Sep 18 / Seen and Heard |
A production that truly sizzles |
| 21 Sep 18 / ConcertoNet (English) |
A lovely, lurid Tosca from Opera North |
| 19 Sep 18 / Bachtrack |
Drama to hit you in the gut – chiming with the demands of Puccini’s music |
| 18 Sep 18 / Independent |
Contemporary take on Puccini is compelling and creepy |
| 18 Sep 18 / The Guardian |
An incredible and unmissable production |
| 18 Sep 18 / The Reviews Hub |
A brutal, thumping success |
| 18 Sep 18 / Telegraph |
Right from those tumbling incisive first chords, this Tosca is lurid, thunderous, oppressive, exhilarating |
| 18 Sep 18 / The Times |
Die Lustige WitweOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Vibrant and colourful company performance of Merry Widow from Opera North |
| 19 Nov 18 / Seen and Heard |
The strength of the production comes from the ensemble performance |
| 17 Nov 18 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North's energetic Merry Widow is more than a mere period piece |
| 2 Oct 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Opera North has created a charming and enjoyable production |
| 1 Oct 18 / The Reviews Hub |
Kiss me, KateOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A fun filled Kiss Me Kate |
| 7 Jul 18 / The Opera Critic |
An engaging and well-crafted staging |
| 28 May 18 / Classical Source |
The pinnacle of song-and-dance Shakespeare |
| 25 May 18 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
An unmissable evening of first-class entertainment |
| 25 May 18 / The Reviews Hub |
SalomeOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 9 | |
This exclusive Scottish performance was a real coup for the Perth hall |
| 1 May 18 / The Herald |
An unmitigated triumph |
| 26 Apr 18 / The Spectator |
Opera North sticks to dress suits and evening gowns for Strauss' short, bloody shocker |
| 25 Apr 18 / What's on Stage |
more reviews [+]
Opera North’s Salome is still enticingly outrageous today |
| 23 Apr 18 / Bachtrack |
Opera North continue a fantastic season with this production of Salome |
| 23 Apr 18 / Nouse |
Richard Strauss’s 1905 opera still shocks in this concert staging by Opera North |
| 23 Apr 18 / The Times |
Opera North’s concert Salome carries theatrical power |
| 21 Apr 18 / Seen and Heard |
Scandalising opera still unsettles |
| 21 Apr 18 / Telegraph |
There is something about Armstrong’s unassuming demeanour that inspires confidence |
| 21 Apr 18 / The York Press |
Un Ballo in MascheraOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 16 | |
Opera North bow out in style despite updating Un Ballo in Maschera to the 'dour' 1930s |
| 27 Mar 18 / Chronicle Live |
Opera North’s first production of a Verdi masterpiece disappoints |
| 16 Mar 18 / Seen and Heard |
With its powerful story and heart-breaking score, it is a complete winner |
| 12 Mar 18 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
The Italianate timbre and burnished high notes of Mexican tenor Rafael Rojas project Gustavo's ardour |
| 25 Feb 18 / Wharfedale Observer |
Cross my palm with silver |
| 20 Feb 18 / The Critics' Circle |
Yet another dud Un ballo in maschera |
| 9 Feb 18 / The Spectator |
Dramatic integrity |
| 7 Feb 18 / Financial Times (via Google) |
Female leads shine in Opera North’s premier Un ballo in maschera |
| 6 Feb 18 / Seen and Heard |
Opera North is not afraid to take risks |
| 6 Feb 18 / Harrogate Advertiser |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Verdi
19 Sep to 20 Nov 2020
Bernstein
3 Oct to 21 Nov 2020
Bell
17 Oct to 18 Nov 2020
Bizet
16 Jan to 27 Mar 2021
Handel
2 Feb to 24 Mar 2021
Puccini
16 Feb to 26 Mar 2021
Wagner
5 May to 12 Jun 2021
News & Articles
| Towards environmentally sustainable productions |
Opera North to use second-hand props and costumes for a carbon neutral spectacle. |
| 23 Feb 2020 / Telegraph |
| Opera North announces 2020-21 season |
Anna Denisova, Patrick Terry and Brindley Sherratt lead Opera North 2020-21 season. |
| 20 Feb 2020 / OperaWire |
| Opera North announces new musical leadership |
Garry Walker will take up the position of music director designate, heading the musical leadership. |
| 25 Jun 2019 / Opera Now |
| Opera North announces 2019/20 season |
Opera North announces main stage repertoire for its 2019/20 season, to include revivals of popular favourites alongside adventurous new productions. |
| 26 Feb 2019 / Opera Now |
| Opera North reveals redevelopment plans |
Opera North is seeking planning permission for a redevelopment project after plans received support from Leeds City Council’s Executive Board. |
| 25 Mar 2018 / Opera Now |
 |