Opera North Podcast

In this special episode of the Opera North Podcast, recorded in the Howard Assembly Room in February 2022, Nazir Afzal OBE expands on his critically-acclaimed memoir, The Prosecutor , looking back on his his childhood and some watershed moments over the course of his illustrious career. Nazir Afzal OBE was Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and formerly Director in London. Most recently...

The Independent's Ed Seckerson discusses the forthcoming year with Opera North's General Director Richard Mantle and Music Director Richard Farnes. First published 13 Sep 2011.

Opera North's Editor Stuart Leeks discusses the beauty and tragedy of Bellini's masterpiece with director Christopher Alden, ahead of the premiere of his production of the work for Opera North in January 2012. First published 10 Nov 2011.

Director Tim Albery discusses what is arguably Handel's finest opera, ahead of the premiere of his production for Opera North in January 2012. First published 23 Nov 2011.

Conductor James Holmes looks forward to the opening of Jo Davies' stunning new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's timeless musical, Carousel at Opera North in May 2012. First published 28 Nov 2011.

Projects Director Dominic Gray looks forward to the winter season in the Howard Assembly Room. First published 5 Dec 2011.

Projects Director Dominic Gray discusses exploring Opera North's mainstage production of Carousel through a series of music, films, words and participation workshops. First published 3 Apr 2012.

Opera North's Editor Stuart Leeks discusses the second part of Wagner's ring cycle with the conductor, and Opera North's Music Director, Richard Farnes. First published 18 May 2012.

Director Alessandro Talevi talks about how he shaped the concept for his production and reveals his favourite musical moments in the piece. First published 27 Sep 2012.

Director John Fulljames talks to Opera North's Editor Stuart Leeks about Mozart's penultimate opera, ahead of his production for the Company that premiered in January 2013. First published 17 Dec 2012.

Opera North's Editor Stuart Leeks talks to director Tim Albery ahead of his production of Verdi's masterpiece, which opened at Leeds Grand Theatre in January 2013. First published 17 Dec 2012.

Director Charles Edwards and Opera North's Editor Stuart Leeks discuss Handel's mighty oratorio, Joshua , ahead of Opera North's fully-staged production at Leeds Grand Theatre in spring 2013. First published 10 Apr 2013.

The Leeds-based sitarist and composer talks about bringing Indian classical music to the western symphony orchestra, ahead of the world premiere of his new sitar concerto, commissioned by Opera North.  First published in January 2020.

Follow cellist and composer Abel Selaocoe and his collaborators through the rehearsal and recording of As You Are , his soundwalk for Leeds. Experienced through headphones on a 40-minute walk through central Leeds, As You Are is a major Opera North commission for the South African-born musician, and sees him joined by the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, and soloists from across Africa. Here A...

As he prepared to bid farewell to the Company with our concert staging of Parsifal in summer 2022, Leader of the Orchestra of Opera North David Greed sat down with Music Director Garry Walker to reflect on his record-breaking career, the role of a concertmaster, and some personal highlights of his 44 years on the job. With excerpts from performances from the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North.

Director Neil Bartlett picks his favourite musical moment. Part 8 of 8, first published 2 Sep 2011.

Director Neil Bartlett discusses the wonderful extremes in Tchaikovsky's score, the differences between Pushkin's novel and Tchaikovsky's opera, the challenges of translating the libretto from Russian into English,  the differences between working with opera singers and actors, his favourite musical moment, the look and feel of his production, the characters and why he loves opera. First...

Director Neil Bartlett explores the characters in The Queen of Spades . Part 7 of 8, first published 2 September 2011.

Director Neil Bartlett explains the look and feel of his production of The Queen of Spades . Part 6 of 8, first published 2 September 2011.

Director Neil Bartlett explains why he loves opera. Part 5 of 8, first published 2 Sep 2011.

Director, Neil Bartlett discusses the differences between working with opera singers and actors. Part 4 of 8, first published 2 Sep 2011.

Director Neil Bartlett explains the challenges of translating the libretto from Russian into English. Episode 3 of 8, first published 2 September 2011.

Director Neil Bartlett explores the differences between Pushkin's novel and Tchaikovsky's opera. Episode 2 of 8, first published 2 September 2011.

Director Neil Bartlett discusses the wonderful extremes in Tchaikovsky's score. Episode 1 of 8, first published 2 September 2011.

In a conversation recorded in 2010, director Jo Davies and conductor John Wilson talk to writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson about cunning disguises, dastardly deeds, and an abundance of cracking good tunes, in Opera North's first G&S production for 20 years.