Opera North

19/08/2026

🤓 Did you know, with famous aria ‘La donna è mobile’, Verdi knew he’d written something so catchy that the cast were forbidden to sing or even whistle the tune outside the theatre before the premiere?!

All you need to know about Rigoletto: heartwrenching story, musical highlights, and this award-winning production by Femi Elufowoju jr...

Opening at Leeds Grand Theatre 18 October...

All you need to know about Verdi's heartbreaking drama – the story, characters, musical highlights, scandalous history and more

17/08/2026

The things we go through for our art 😉 Becoming a stone cold assassin: here's bass Callum Thorpe's transformation into 's "chillingly excellent" (The Telegraph) Sparafucile — complete with scars and tattoos.

Filmed in 2022. This award-winning production of Verdi's Rigoletto (including Callum!) is BACK, opening in October 👉 bit.ly/ONRigoletto

Make-up artist: the wonderful Nicola Faulkner-Heath 👏

At:
Leeds Grand Theatre
The Lowry
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Newcastle Theatre Royal

14/08/2026

Content to bless your ears 🤩 this award-winning production of Verdi's Rigoletto is BACK this Autumn 👉 bit.ly/ONRigoletto

Leeds Grand Theatre
The Lowry
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Newcastle Theatre Royal

Jasmine Habersham returns to the role of Gilda. Here's a little 'Caro nome'

14/08/2026

🎻 Studying in Leeds next year, or know someone who is?! Apply to join our Youth Orchestra for musicians aged 15-21 at Grade 7-8 level or higher 👉 bit.ly/ON-YouthOrchestra

This ensemble helps young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.

We prepare and perform two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year.

Members are mentored by the musicians and artistic team of Opera North, and get to connect with professional orchestral and opera conductors.

Here's the ONYO in a side-by-side rehearsal with the Orchestra of Opera North, conducted by Euan Shields

📸: Charlie Swinbourne

06/08/2026

😮 28 shows across 15 venues reaching *2433* people: our Mini Magic Flute has been on the road, introducing 4-7 yr olds and their families to the wonderful world of opera:

“I am so much happier than I was when I woke up!” — Audience member, aged 5

"What a clever show to entice all generations into the infectious music and laughter! It was being equally enjoyed by all adults and children alike” — Audience member

Performed by...
Soprano: Nia Coleman
Tenor: Andrew Henley
Baritone: Andrew Randall
Accordion: Milos Milivojevic / Valerie Barr

Original Director and Librettist: John Savournin
Director: Rosie Kat
Designe: Bek Palmer

Venues included...
Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, University of Leeds
Cast Doncaster
Howard Assembly Room
National Centre for Early Music
Ripon Theatre Festival
Otley Courthouse
StoryhouseLive
Stoller Hall
Lake District Music
Bradford Markets

Explore what else we've got coming up for families 👉www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/genres/family-events/

01/08/2026

Dare you not to cry 😭

Final two performances of The Sound of Music today, if you’re quick you can still get tickets (and experience this live!)

Book 👉 bit.ly/ONSoundOfMusic

🤳: Chuck Deer

31/07/2026

👏🥹Just three more shows: tonight and two tomorrow at Leeds Grand Theatre. Book 👉 bit.ly/ONSoundOfMusic

“Quite frankly it was breathtaking. So pleased we didn’t miss it. Make sure you don’t!!!" — audience member