Artistic Futures

Welcome to this special episode with James Brining, presented by Scarlett, Vicenzo, Beth, Vanessa and Seth from Mount St Mary's Catholic High School (Richmond Hill, Leeds). James Brining is a Director and the Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse. Since joining in 2012, he has directed a range of shows from new plays to large scale musicals including Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Facto...

In this episode, multi-talented Hannabiell Sanders and Yilis del Carmen Suriel speak about their musical and activist journeys, and recall how their band, Ladies of Midnight Blue evolved over the years. Ladies of Midnight Blue are an Afro-Latin percussion and brass duet. They create a powerful and upbeat fusion of rhythms, weaving combinations of melodic percussion, brass, vocal chants, and mbira....

In this episode Divina de Campo shares her passion for performing and tell us about her love of opera and her journey as an artist. Divina is a British drag queen and singer who has been featured on national television programmes including The Voice, All Together Now and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Her love of theatre led her to star in many stage productions. In 2022, she won 'Best Performance in a Mu...

In this episode, Kate Davy tells us about the work of a stage manager and shares her experience working backstage. Originally from Ilkley, Kate moved to London age 18 to study at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She then came back to Yorkshire to work as assistant stage manager at Northern Ballet. Nearly 25 years ago, she joined Opera North where she now works as Head of Stage Managem...

In this episode, BBC Young Musician finalist Phoebe Mallinson speaks about her passion for brass instruments and shares her experience and aspirations as a young player. Originally from Bradford, Phoebe started playing cornet at the age of eight before moving to flugelhorn when she was ten. In 2017, she gained a place at Chetham’s School of Music studying Trumpet with Tracey Redfern. In December,...

In this episode, tenor Xavier Hetherington shares his passion for operatic singing technique and foreign languages. He provides useful advice for young singers and shares what it's like for a performer to engage with young audiences. He also tells us about his experience working on Opera North new production of Masque of Might . Xavier started singing at an early age as a boy chorister in Salisbur...

In this episode, Jamie Saye reflects on his career as a sound and lighting technician, and offers great tips and insights for anyone interested in working backstage. He also opens up about his motivation to change career and the work he has been doing with Sustainable Arts in Leeds (SAIL) . Jamie worked as Technical Manager at the Howard Assembly Room before becoming the General Manager at SAIL. H...

In this episode, Rakhi Singh reflects on her journey as a musician and her work with Manchester Collective. She also shares useful advice about freelancing as a musician. Musical excerpt: 'Pierrot Lunaire' by Arnold Schoenberg performed by Manchester Collective

In this episode, Emma Black reflects on her career so far and the work she has done at Opera North over the years. She speaks about the forthcoming Youth production of Eugene Onegin and shares useful advice for aspiring artists and directors. Musical excerpt: 'Mi Chiamano Mimi' From La Boheme by Puccini

In this episode, John Savournin gives us a glimpse of what the rehearsal process for Ariadne auf Naxos has been like and reflects on his career so far, combining singing, directing and writing. Musical excerpt: Finale Act 1 from Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart

In this episode, violinist Byron Parish recalls how he got into classical music and shares his motivation to inspire the next generation of musicians. Byron has been a member of the Orchestra of Opera North since 2015 and will feature as soloist in Walton's violin concerto alongside the Opera North Youth Orchestra in December 2022. Musical excerpt: 'Te Deum!' from Tosca

In this episode, Textile Artist Natalie Needham tells us about her work as part of the costume department at Opera North. She also introduces Stitch Away the Stigma , a creative art programme she created to support anyone who loves or cares for someone with an alcohol/ drug use disorder or gambling addiction. Musical excerpt: 'Papagena!' from The Magic Flute

To open the second season of Artistic Futures, Manoj Kamps recalls their first musical encounters, growing up in Sri Lanka, and speaks openly about the challenges of being a queer conductor. Musical excerpt: 'Brindisi' from La traviata .

In this episode,  Anna Pool  tells us about all the different aspects of her work. As director, composer, writer and performer, she reflects on what drives her creations and shares advice for those particularly interested developing multi-disciplinary artististic careers. Musical excerpt: ‘Da tempeste il legno infranto’ (Cleopatra) from Handel’s  Gulio Cesare  sung by Lucie Cha...

In this episode, Opera North Musical Director  Garry Walker  tells us about the challenges and rewards of being a conductor. He also reflects on the role music plays in society and shares useful tips. Musical excerpt:  Rigoletto  ACT II Duet (Rigoletto, Gilda) sung by Eric Greene and Jasmine Habersham.

In this episode, Opera North Youth Chorus Master and organist Nicholas Shaw recounts how he started his career as a church musician before finding renewed inspiration working with young people and immersing himself in the world of opera. He shares precious advice for young performers too. Musical excerpt: ‘In Carmine Doloris’ from the opera  Jephte  by Giacomo Carissimi (1605-1674), rewo...

In this episode, Syrian composer and Qanun player Maya Youssef introduces us to her beautiful instrument, shares her musical journey and tells us how she started composing. She also reflects on how music can be a powerful tool to bring about peace and create empathy. Musical excerpt: Silver Lining composed and performed by Maya Youssef as part of the Walking Home project.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Syrian composer and qanun player Maya Youssef.

In this episode, Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie tells us how he got into classical music and shares his passion for education. Young instrumentalists interested in pursuing a career will also find plenty of useful tips! Musical excerpt: ‘Prelude’ (Act 1) from Rigoletto played by the Orchestra of Opera North.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie.

In this episode,  Themba Mvula recalls how he became an opera singer. He shares his passion for new music and tells us about his experience singing the role of Marullo in the new Opera North production of Rigoletto. Expect really useful audition tips too! Musical excerpt: ‘La Donna e Nobile’ (Duke of Mantua) from  Rigoletto sung by Roman Arndt.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Baritone Themba Mvula.

In this episode,  Anna Yates  explains what the role of a designer entails and tells us how she got into Opera through her love for cinema.   Musical excerpt: Der Rosenkavalier Overture by Richard Strauss

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Designer Anna Yates.

In this episode,  Sian Edwards  tells us about her career as a conductor and some of the advantages and challenges of being a woman in the profession. She shares her favourite operas and tips for young musicians who might be tempted to give conducting a go. Musical excerpt:  Katya Kabanova  Act II (Kudryash, Varvara) by Janáček sang by Alexander Sprague and Katie Bray, and cond...