Absolutely wonderful performance by all. I’ve seen it twice! The children are only in act 2 but they’ve worked so hard and performed to perfection. Well done everyone.
I was incredibly excited to introduce my family to La Boheme this weekend at The Lowry. The fist clenching, tear jerking performance I had hoped for was sadly not achieved. The garret or attic in which this beautiful opera is set should be small and dark not a high roofed military, dirty bunker. The cafe should be vibrant and full of life but was instead a red sofa bench with brass railings. Costumes also seemed confusing with our bohemian friends in jeans and converse but chorus in various period costumes. Mimi sadly struggled with projecting her voice and at times could not be heard. Rodolfo gave a nice performance but didn’t bring me to tears at the end. The orchestra were fantastic and at times drowned the voices trying desperately to be heard. We all felt a lack of connection with the characters and could not say it had the affect I had wished. A nice performance but could have been so much more.
Just attended an Opera North presentation of Wonderland Restored at Barnsley Civic. It is an immersive singing project involving 26 schools across Yorkshire. An absolutely fantastic initiative. My granddaughter is a pupil at Wellgate Primary, Barnsley and was participating. It is an experience she will remember for many years to come. Thank you.
We have seen dozens of Opera North productions over the past 30 years, many of which have been outstanding. Joining this group has to be the new "Orpheus" - the most moving and beautiful work.
Really enjoyed A Little Night Music. Everything was perfect: the venue (Quarry theatre, Leeds Playhouse), the seats (only 14 pounds) but especially the songs, the story and the live orchestra. I took my 16 year old daughter to a Thursday matinee performance - I'm not a fan of travelling into and out of Leeds at night. She thoroughly enjoyed it too despite being part of the tik tok generation! See it if you can!
I went to see the ON production of Carmen last night. It was stunning in every way- a real treat for the senses. I loved the camp, zany take on Bizet’s original and thought the line dancing sequence inspired! How the soloists were able to sing and be so athletic I have no idea. I haven’t been able to stop the music going around my head since. An amazing production that I think everyone should see.
Went to see Rigoletto. Brilliant production in every way. Imaginatively staged, colourful and exciting, modern without being over the top or distracting from the story. Wonderful singing, especially from the leads and a great cameo from the incredible Sir Willard White. Never heard him live before, wow, what a voice, what emotion, what power. I've been to quite a number of operas now and this was unforgettable. I must go and see this production again before it ends. Go see it too.
Although not new to opera, this was our first live performance...and it was magical. The performance on stage was accessible, charismatic and beautiful, the music from the talented orchestra sublime. We are now officially hooked, and hope we can experience more live opera in the ornate and splendid Leeds Grand. 5 stars with no hesitation.
Staff were rude behind the bar but that's just standard... other staff were friendly, toilets had no toilet paper and dirty, drinks over priced... grease was amazing, absolutely loved it... not my favourite theatre but always good performances
Opera North, Howard Opera Centre is located at 8 Harrison St, Leeds LS1 6PA, UK
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