| Opera North - Leeds | 29 April 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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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 |
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 |
Richard Farnes returns to conduct Opera North's first-ever staging of Verdi's opera |
| 6 Feb 18 / What's on Stage |
Verdi's opera given a 1930s setting by Opera North |
| 6 Feb 18 / The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |
Opera North’s production is a great one to see, featuring characters with complex motives |
| 6 Feb 18 / Nouse |
Banal take on Verdi's richly inventive score |
| 6 Feb 18 / The Guardian |
Murder on the dance floor: an underwhelming Ballo in maschera from Opera North |
| 5 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
Certainly a must see |
| 5 Feb 18 / The Reviews Hub |
An imaginative take on Verdi's intense tale of love and loyalty |
| 5 Feb 18 / Telegraph |
Don GiovanniOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Plenty of laughs, a feminist heart and a time machine |
| 23 Mar 18 / Chronicle Live |
An intriguing evening in the theatre |
| 9 Mar 18 / Honolulu Advertiser |
An entertaining evening at the theatre |
| 9 Mar 18 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Don Giovanni makes welcome return |
| 5 Mar 18 / Ilkley Gazette |
Opera North’s revived Don Giovanni misfires in the age of #MeToo |
| 26 Feb 18 / Seen and Heard |
Don Giovanni, with a modern remake, is fit for purpose |
| 25 Feb 18 / The Reviews Hub |
Funny blends with sinister: witty Don Giovanni revival at Opera North |
| 23 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
Madama ButterflyOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 13 | |
Opera North's Butterfly has the wow factor |
| 23 Mar 18 / The Northern Echo |
Period productions with superb singing and acting like this Butterfly are rare |
| 12 Mar 18 / Seen and Heard |
Period productions with superb singing and acting like this Butterfly are rare |
| 9 Mar 18 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
A gripping Opera North version of the Puccini classic |
| 8 Mar 18 / Manchester Evening News |
Magnificently as she sang, Anne Sophie Duprels, as Cio Cio San, achieves her most affecting moment in silence |
| 27 Jan 18 / Harrogate Advertiser |
Opera North’s Madama Butterfly provides the devastating experience that this opera should |
| 26 Jan 18 / The Spectator |
Revealing details in Tim Albery's enduring production maximise the emotional power |
| 23 Jan 18 / Wharfedale Observer |
Opera North's Madama Butterfly is much more than a tear-jerker with a social conscience |
| 23 Jan 18 / Bachtrack |
Tim Albery's enduring production returns |
| 23 Jan 18 / Ilkley Gazette |
Puccini's eternal opera acquires new resonance in a revival of Tim Albery's bold production |
| 23 Jan 18 / The Stage |
The show is beautifully acted, especially by Anne Sophie Duprels as Butterfly |
| 23 Jan 18 / The Times |
A welcome revival of Opera North’s magnificent Madama Butterfly |
| 21 Jan 18 / Seen and Heard |
A tragic but memorable performance of Madama Butterfly |
| 21 Jan 18 / The Reviews Hub |
Trouble in TahitiOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
G&S and Bernstein provide an ideal ending to Opera North’s Little Greats |
| 21 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
Revelations and rediscoveries |
| 24 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
Light but not negligible; little gems by Bernstein and by Gilbert & Sullivan |
| 23 Oct 17 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
Intriguing pairing was a great way to finish |
| 16 Oct 17 / Wharfedale Observer |
Bernstein and Janáček rarities make a terrific Opera North double bill |
| 15 Oct 17 / The Guardian |
Destiny and South Sea escapes |
| 13 Oct 17 / Bachtrack |
A rare Bernstein masterpiece allowed to shine |
| 13 Oct 17 / Telegraph |
OsudOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Two rarely heard Ravel and Janáček Operas get masterful Opera North productions |
| 20 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
Revelations and rediscoveries |
| 24 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
Janacek's rarely performed and musically thrilling opera alongside an imaginative rendering of Ravel's masterpiece |
| 23 Oct 17 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
Intriguing pairing was a great way to finish |
| 16 Oct 17 / Wharfedale Observer |
Bernstein and Janáček rarities make a terrific Opera North double bill |
| 15 Oct 17 / The Guardian |
Destiny and South Sea escapes |
| 13 Oct 17 / Bachtrack |
A fascinating oddity, but only for Janáček initiates |
| 13 Oct 17 / Telegraph |
Trial by JuryOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 10 | |
G&S and Bernstein provide an ideal ending to Opera North’s Little Greats |
| 21 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
Three popular one-act pieces round off Opera North's autumn half-dozen |
| 25 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
Light but not negligible; little gems by Bernstein and by Gilbert & Sullivan |
| 23 Oct 17 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
John Savournin’s production of Trial By Jury is a delight from start to finish |
| 10 Oct 17 / The York Press |
The best Trial by Jury I’ve ever seen |
| 5 Oct 17 / The Spectator |
Much-loved opera packs a punch |
| 4 Oct 17 / Wharfedale Observer |
Trial by Jury guarantees silliness and laughter throughout |
| 1 Oct 17 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North presents stark contrasts with Cavalleria rusticana and Trial by Jury |
| 30 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
An innovative, impactful double bill from Opera North |
| 30 Sep 17 / Seen and Heard |
A strange pairing that strikes surprising sparks |
| 29 Sep 17 / Telegraph |
Cavalleria RusticanaOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 11 | |
Good singing redeems two disappointing Cav & Pag Opera North stagings |
| 18 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
Three popular one-act pieces round off Opera North's autumn half-dozen |
| 25 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
The classic verismo pairing, in two strikingly updated settings |
| 23 Oct 17 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
The real drama is in the soprano of Giselle Allen’s Santuzza |
| 10 Oct 17 / The York Press |
Opera North’s Cavalleria rusticana is the ideal opera to take a young Corbynista to |
| 5 Oct 17 / The Spectator |
Opera North’s Cavalleria Rusticana stretches the concept of verismo to its limit, mostly entertainingly |
| 5 Oct 17 / Yorkshire Post |
Much-loved opera packs a punch |
| 4 Oct 17 / Wharfedale Observer |
The modern production offers strong themes of infidelity, jealousy, betrayal and guilt |
| 1 Oct 17 / The Reviews Hub |
Opera North presents stark contrasts with Cavalleria rusticana and Trial by Jury |
| 30 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
An innovative, impactful double bill from Opera North |
| 30 Sep 17 / Seen and Heard |
A strange pairing that strikes surprising sparks |
| 29 Sep 17 / Telegraph |
PagliacciOpera NorthNo. of reviews: 13 | |
Good singing redeems two disappointing Cav & Pag Opera North stagings |
| 18 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
Three popular one-act pieces round off Opera North's autumn half-dozen |
| 25 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
The classic verismo pairing, in two strikingly updated settings |
| 23 Oct 17 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
Two triumphant 'little greats' from Opera North |
| 21 Sep 17 / The Spectator |
Two works that could scarcely be more contrasting |
| 21 Sep 17 / Sheffield Telegraph |
Bite-size opera is a real treat |
| 19 Sep 17 / Ilkley Gazette |
Opera North's Little Greats: jealousy, murder and childhood fantasy |
| 19 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
Both pieces in this opening double bill are equally recommendable |
| 19 Sep 17 / The Times |
'Little Greats' series looks to be well named |
| 19 Sep 17 / The Guardian |
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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