Leeds Conservatoire in Partnership with Opera North
Leeds Conservatoire have been partnered with Opera North since 2019, enabling the region’s leading opera company to support the next generation of performers-in-training at Leeds Conservatoire, enhancing the conservatoire’s student experience and contributing to the city’s collaborative cultural activity.
Check out Opera NorthKey opportunities for students on the Classical course include:
- work with industry professionals, including performing side-by-side with Opera North musicians
- have one-to-one conversations with company members about how to take their careers further
- take part in Opera North’s In Harmony Community Music initiative;
- work on a composition project, which has seen third year composers have their pieces workshopped by an ensemble from Opera North.
Furthermore, students have access to masterclasses and have attended dress rehearsals and performances at Opera North. Over the partnership, over 50 Opera North players, singers, technicians and arts administrators have connected with over 650 students to talk, teach, and listen.
Leeds Conservatoire Orchestra and the Orchestra of Opera North performing side-by-side, conducted by George Morton
Over the past five years, linked to the partnership with Opera North, students at Leeds Conservatoire have had the opportunity to work with industry professionals in a number of ways including performing side-by-side with members of the company; instrumental and vocal coaching; a range of employability focused sessions about how to take their careers further; taking part in Opera North’s In Harmony Community Music initiative; plus working on a composition project, which has seen third year composers have their pieces workshopped by an ensemble from Opera North.
Flo Taylor, a Classical student at Leeds Conservatoire, took part in a one-to-one conversation with Opera North Bassoonist David Baker.
Flo said: “I found it so inspiring talking to David; he gave me so much time and answered all my questions so thoughtfully. He gave me excellent recommendations and so much helpful advice. I now feel so much more knowledgeable about potential career paths I might want to take as a performer, as well as ones that I hadn't even considered before.”
Abbie Wheeler, a Classical student at Leeds Conservatoire, said:
“The partnership with Opera North means students already have a great link into the industry and have experienced working alongside the professionals whilst still studying. This means we receive help or advice that fills in the gaps from the advice and tutoring we get from the conservatoire. I’ve been involved in Opera North side-by-sides for three years, and each time has taught me something different or built upon existing knowledge.”
