The new Opera North Season 2019/20
By Dawn Smallwood
One always anticipates waits for Opera North’s announcements about their next seasons’ repertoires and the announcement of the 2019/20 season is no exception. Opera North is reputed for their new exciting productions, revivals and more recently collaborative work.
Bohuslav Martinů’s The Greek Tragedy, an opera rarely performed but its themes are so paramount today, and Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, one of America’s great operas today, are the repertoire’s new productions. There is Handel’s baroque style Giulio Cesare and the ever popular La bohème and The Marriage of Figaro. Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, composed by Britten, will also feature after it being performed back in 2010.
Opera North continues to make opera accessible for everyone with launching Try it ON where the first time attendees can see any of the season’s operas for £20.00 and of course there is the popular Under 30s scheme. For the first time a dementia friendly performance of La bohème will be given and any needs will be accounted for.
There will be a concert staged Bartok’s Bluebeard’s castle and a large scale people’s opera in County Durham which is in partnership with Northern Heartlands and involve communities in South and West Durham. Opera North will have their Leeds home transformed through Music Works, from spring 2019 to 2020, to what promises to be a home for welcoming artists, developing talent, aiding one’s learning and participation, and inspiring audiences.
The Greek Passion will mark the new season on the 14th September at the Leeds Grand Theatre.