Opera North *

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/otello David Kempster explores the character of Iago and how the opera differs from Shakespeare's play. Opera North's new production of Otello, conducted by Richard Farnes and directed by Tim Albery opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on Wednesday 16 January 2013. Iago, an ensign in the Venetian army, is a man who bears a grudge. When his general, Otello, passes him over for promotion in favour of Cassio, Iago's festering resentment quickly turns to downright malice. He poisons Otello's mind with suspicion, and step by step, leads Otello to believe that his young wife Desdemona is in love with the young and handsome Cassio. And so Iago, a man consumed by envy, makes Otello into a monster of murderous jealousy. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth, this breathtaking new production brings Shakespeare's great tragedy to life through Verdi's most exquisite, passionate and profoundly moving music. A tale of betrayed friendship, suspicion and jealousy, it is widely regarded as the crowning glory of Italian opera. This new production reunites the production team of Tim Albery and designer Leslie Travers who created Opera North's recent, widely acclaimed Giulio Cesare; Music Director Richard Farnes conducts. Sung in Italian with English titles Lasts approximately 2 hours 45 minutes Supported by The Peter Moores Foundation and the Opera North Future Fund Cast Otello - Ronald Samm Desdemona - Elena Kelessidi Iago - David Kempster Cassio - Michael Wade Lee Emilia - Ann Taylor Roderigo - Christopher Turner Lodovico - Henry Waddington Montano - Dean Robinson Herald - Paul Gibson Creative Team Conductor - Richard Farnes Director - Tim Albery Set and Costume Designer - Leslie Travers Lighting Designer - Thomas C Hase Choreographer - Laila Diallo

Performed by Martin Green (Lau), Becky Unthank, Niklas Roswall and Inge Thomson. Murdered lovers and kisses that kill; this specially curated evening of ghostly songs will send shivers down your spine. Led by Lau accordionist Martin Green, a collection of handpicked folk luminaries including Becky Unthank, nykelharpist Niklas Roswall and singer Inge Thomson draw together traditional folk songs from northern lands about ghosts, ghouls and unquiet spirits.

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/music-crows-bones A Folk Ghost Story for Christmas Performed by Martin Green (Lau), Becky Unthank, Niklas Roswall and Inge Thomson. Murdered lovers and kisses that kill; this specially curated Yuletide evening of ghostly songs will send shivers down your spine. Led by Lau accordionist Martin Green, a collection of handpicked folk luminaries including Becky Unthank, nykelharpist Niklas Roswall and singer Inge Thomson draw together traditional folk songs from northern lands about ghosts, ghouls and unquiet spirits. The evening begins with a chance to hear Roswall play an entrancing set of traditional Scandinavian tunes and midwinter songs. Gather around the Howard Assembly Room's winter hearth for an acoustic and intimate candlelit festive concert; an unmissable journey into the dark heart of folk song.

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/film-pandora-s-box Silent film with a new live score Composed and performed by Jóhann Jóhannsson and Hildur Gudnadóttir. 'at that time a dangerously shocking film. It still remains an intensely sexy one'. The Guardian on Pandora's Box 'Supremely evocative compositions' BBC music on Jóhann Jóhannsson GW Pabst's 1929 silent film follows the rise and fall of the captivating, amoral young prostitute Lulu and her various ill-fated relationships, brought to life by the inimitable Louise Brooks. Part of an international renaissance of silent film, this special screening sees award-winning Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (Fordlandia), cellist and composer Hildur Gudnadóttir (Múm/Throbbing Gristle), and turntablist Philip Jeck combine forces. The brand new live soundtrack plays with the film's volatile energy, Weimar-era recordings and the iconic figure of Louise Brooks.

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/faust Audiences react following the opening night of Opera North's new production of Gounod's Faust. Middle-aged scholar Faust longs for a life full of glory and pleasure that he never had. Méphistophélès is offering a second chance in exchange for his soul. An innocent woman, Marguerite, falls victim to this diabolical pact when Faust seduces her with fatal consequences. But while for Marguerite there is hope for redemption, for Faust there is none. Performed in more than 50 countries and translated into 25 languages, Gounod's great melodramatic opera has been capturing audiences since its 1859 Paris premiere. Alongside Carmen, it remains one of the most popular French operas of all time. Bursting with moving solos, dramatic ensembles and thrilling choruses, every scene of Gounod's masterpiece is overflowing with memorable melodies including the charming Jewel Song and the powerful Soldier's Chorus. Renowned tenor Peter Auty takes the title role joined by James Creswell - as the devil Méphistophélès - who is returning to Opera North after his recent roles in Norma and Das Rheingold. Their trio is completed by Juanita Lascarro as Marguerite, bringing a confidently flexible vocal for which she has become famous. Gounod's Faust is one of several operas inspired by Goethe's great Faust drama- other examples are Berlioz's The Damnation de Faust and the rarely performed Mefistofele by Arrigo Boito. The Metropolitan Opera was opened with a performance was Gounod's version of Faust in New York on 22 October 1883. It remains one of the most in demand operas at the Met, with more than 730 performances given up until 2008. For several decades New York's opera season opened with a performance of the piece. Sung in French with English titles Last approximately 3 hours

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/education/young-people Opus2 & 3 are groups that meet weekly to try out arts activities, develop performance skills and create new work. Opus2 & 3 also receive free tickets for music and arts performances in the city.

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/faust Director, Rob Kearley explains the flexibility and creativity that using projections provides instead of traditional scenery in Opera North's new production of Gounod's Faust. Middle-aged scholar Faust longs for a life full of glory and pleasure that he never had. Méphistophélès is offering a second chance in exchange for his soul. An innocent woman, Marguerite, falls victim to this diabolical pact when Faust seduces her with fatal consequences. But while for Marguerite there is hope for redemption, for Faust there is none. Performed in more than 50 countries and translated into 25 languages, Gounod's great melodramatic opera has been capturing audiences since its 1859 Paris premiere. Alongside Carmen, it remains one of the most popular French operas of all time. Bursting with moving solos, dramatic ensembles and thrilling choruses, every scene of Gounod's masterpiece is overflowing with memorable melodies including the charming Jewel Song and the powerful Soldier's Chorus. Renowned tenor Peter Auty takes the title role joined by James Creswell - as the devil Méphistophélès - who is returning to Opera North after his recent roles in Norma and Das Rheingold. Their trio is completed by Juanita Lascarro as Marguerite, bringing a confidently flexible vocal for which she has become famous. Gounod's Faust is one of several operas inspired by Goethe's great Faust drama- other examples are Berlioz's The Damnation de Faust and the rarely performed Mefistofele by Arrigo Boito. The Metropolitan Opera was opened with a performance was Gounod's version of Faust in New York on 22 October 1883. It remains one of the most in demand operas at the Met, with more than 730 performances given up until 2008. For several decades New York's opera season opened with a performance of the piece. Sung in French with English titles Last approximately 3 hours

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/don-giovanni Soprano, Claire Wild takes time out from rehearsals for Opera North's new production of Don Giovanni to explore her character of Zerlina and hints at the surprises in store in this exciting new production of Mozart's classic opera. Don Giovanni - William Dazeley Leporello - Alastair Miles Leporello - Matthew Hargreaves (14, 17, 21, 24 November) Donna Anna - Meeta Raval Donna Elvira - Elizabeth Atherton Donna Elvira - Maribeth Diggle (1 November) Don Ottavio - Christopher Turner Zerlina - Claire Wild Masetto - Oliver Dunn Il Commendatore - Michael Druiett Conductor - Tobias Ringborg Conductor - Anthony Kraus (1, 7, 17 November) Director - Alessandro Talevi Set and Costume Designer - Madeleine Boyd Lighting Designer - Matthew Haskins ChoreographerVictoria Newlyn

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/faust Director, Ran Arthur Braun explores the timeless story of Faust and explains how multimedia and projection will be used in Opera North's new production of Gounod's classic. Middle-aged scholar Faust longs for a life full of glory and pleasure that he never had. Méphistophélès is offering a second chance in exchange for his soul. An innocent woman, Marguerite, falls victim to this diabolical pact when Faust seduces her with fatal consequences. But while for Marguerite there is hope for redemption, for Faust there is none. Performed in more than 50 countries and translated into 25 languages, Gounod's great melodramatic opera has been capturing audiences since its 1859 Paris premiere. Alongside Carmen, it remains one of the most popular French operas of all time. Bursting with moving solos, dramatic ensembles and thrilling choruses, every scene of Gounod's masterpiece is overflowing with memorable melodies including the charming Jewel Song and the powerful Soldier's Chorus. Renowned tenor Peter Auty takes the title role joined by James Creswell - as the devil Méphistophélès - who is returning to Opera North after his recent roles in Norma and Das Rheingold. Their trio is completed by Juanita Lascarro as Marguerite, bringing a confidently flexible vocal for which she has become famous. Gounod's Faust is one of several operas inspired by Goethe's great Faust drama- other examples are Berlioz's The Damnation de Faust and the rarely performed Mefistofele by Arrigo Boito. The Metropolitan Opera was opened with a performance was Gounod's version of Faust in New York on 22 October 1883. It remains one of the most in demand operas at the Met, with more than 730 performances given up until 2008. For several decades New York's opera season opened with a performance of the piece.

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/don-giovanni Director, Alessandro Talevi explores the enduring and mysterious character of Don Giovanni ahead of Opera North's brand new production of Mozart's masterpiece which opens in Leeds in September. Cast: Don Giovanni - William Dazeley Leporello - Alastair Miles Leporello - Matthew Hargreaves (14, 17, 21, 24 November) Donna Anna - Meeta Raval Donna Elvira - Elizabeth Atherton Donna Elvira - Maribeth Diggle (1 November) Don Ottavio - Christopher Turner Zerlina - Claire Wild Masetto - Oliver Dunn Il Commendatore - Michael Druiett Creative Team: Conductor - Tobias Ringborg Conductor - Anthony Kraus (1, 7, 17 November) Director - Alessandro Talevi Set and Costume Designer - Madeleine Boyd Lighting DesignerMatthew Haskins ChoreographerVictoria Newlyn

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/the-makropulos-case Audiences react to Opera North's new production of The Makropulos Case. When the celebrated opera diva Emilia Marty reveals the whereabouts of the lost will of Baron Jaroslav Prus, it seems as the long lasting squabbling over Prus' vast estate might finally be resolved. But when Marty reveals an uncanny knowledge of events long gone and exerts an inexplicable power over the men surrounding her, it soon emerges that the enigmatic singer has secrets of her own. Based on Karel Čapek's eponymous absurd comedy, Janáček's penultimate opera is a mystery thriller about desire and eternal life. Tackling the big questions of love, life and death, it keeps its audience guessing until the gripping end. Written in Janáček's creative period alongside masterworks like Katya Kabanova and The Cunning Little Vixen, The Makropulos Case is often described as featuring the most transcendent music of all 20th century operas and contains some of the composer's most radiant, life-affirming music. Richard Farnes conducts this new production by acclaimed director Tom Cairns, which opens the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival. Cast Emilia Marty - Ylva Kihlberg Albert Gregor - Paul Nilon Vítek - Mark Le Brocq Kristina - Stephanie Corley Jaroslav Prus - Robert Hayward Janek - Adrian Dwyer Dr Kolenatý - James Creswell Technician - Matthew Hargreaves Cleaning Woman - Sarah Pring Hauk-Šendorf - Nigel Robson Chambermaid - Rebecca Afonwy Jones Creative Team Conductor - Richard Farnes Director - Tom Cairns Set and Costume Designer - Hildegard Bechtler Lighting Designer - Bruno Poet

Opera North is staging Wagner's epic Ring cycle over 4 years. This documentary follows the preparations for Die Walküre, the second part in the saga. Wotan is king of the gods, law-maker and father of nine warrior daughters (Valkyries) with the goddess of the Earth, Erda. He tries to break the curse of the Ring of power by fathering a pure-of-heart hero by a mortal woman. But when the lives of Wotan's mortal off-spring are threatened, his plans to protect them are thwarted and his favourite daughter defies his will. Though Wotan still loves her dearly, he is forced to punish her severely. Siegmund - ERIK NELSON WERNER Sieglinde - ALWYN MELLOR Hunding - CLIVE BAYLEY Wotan - BÉLA PERENCZ Fricka - KATARINA KARNÉUS Brünnhilde - ANNALENA PERSSON Helmwige - KATHERINE BRODERICK Ortlinde - MEETA RAVAL Gerhilde - MIRIAM MURPHY Waltraute - JENNIFER JOHNSTON Siegrune - MADELEINE SHAW Rossweisse - CATHERINE HOPPER Grimgerde - ANTONIA SOTGIU Schwertleite - EMMA CARRINGTON Conductor - RICHARD FARNES Concert Staging and Lighting/Projection Designer - PETER MUMFORD

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/the-makropulos-case Soprano, Ylva Kihlberg and Conductor, Richard Farnes explore the character of Emilia Marty, the main protagonist in Janáček's penultimate opera, The Makropulos Case. Opera North's new production opens the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2012. Do you wish for immortality? Even if your endless life would be one without love? When the celebrated opera diva Emilia Marty reveals the whereabouts of the lost will of Baron Jaroslav Prus, it seems as the long lasting squabbling over Prus' vast estate might finally be resolved. But when Marty reveals an uncanny knowledge of events long gone and exerts an inexplicable power over the men surrounding her, it soon emerges that the enigmatic singer has secrets of her own. Based on Karel Čapek's eponymous absurd comedy, Janáček's penultimate opera is a mystery thriller about desire and eternal life. Tackling the big questions of love, life and death, it keeps its audience guessing until the gripping end. Written in Janáček's creative period alongside masterworks like Katya Kabanova and The Cunning Little Vixen, The Makropulos Case is often described as featuring the most transcendent music of all 20th century operas and contains some of the composer's most radiant, life-affirming music. Richard Farnes conducts this new production by acclaimed director Tom Cairns, which opens the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival. Sung in English with English titles Lasts approximately 2 hours

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions Opera North's Music Director, Richard Farnes, previews the forthcoming Autumn season. Opera North will perform new productions of Janáček's The Makropulos Case, Mozart's Don Giovanni and Gounod's Faust. http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/don-giovanni http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/the-makropulos-case http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/faust

A brand new 5 star production (The Guardian) of Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical Carousel comes to London in August 2012, for just 37 performances. Voted best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine, Carousel features some of the most powerful music ever written for the stage, including the immortal 'You'll Never Walk Alone','If I Loved You' and the joyful 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over'. A story of true love and the tragedy of feelings left unspoken, this classic American musical is deeply touching and will capture your heart.

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/die-walkure Wotan is king of the gods, law-maker and father of nine warrior daughters (Valkyries) with the goddess of the Earth, Erda. He tries to break the curse of the Ring of power by fathering a pure-of-heart hero by a mortal woman. But when the lives of Wotan's mortal off-spring are threatened, his plans to protect them are thwarted and his favourite daughter defies his will. Though Wotan still loves her dearly, he is forced to punish her severely. Duration: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes (incl 2 intervals) Sung in German with English titles