Leeds Conservatoire and Opera North marked five years of successful partnership at a celebratory event in the evening of Tuesday 5 December 2023.
Back row: Phil Boughton (Opera North), Patsy Gilbert (Leeds Conservatoire), Becky Smith and Laura Canning (both Opera North).
Front row: Keranjeet Kaur Virdee MBE (South Asian Arts-uk), Dominic Gray (Opera North) and Professor Joe Wilson (Leeds Conservatoire).
Photo credit throughout: Ian Hodgson
Held in the conservatoire’s specialist facilities, the event comprised of a panel discussion and a special side-by-side orchestral performance. These activities demonstrated not only how the organisations work together to develop the skills and talent pipeline in the region but also the wider benefits and aims of the partnership - in particular how Leeds Conservatoire and Opera North contribute to the wider arts and cultural landscape of the region and the North, as well as come together to respond to challenges and opportunities.
The welcome address came from Professor Joe Wilson, Principal at Leeds Conservatoire, and Laura Canning, new General Director and CEO at Opera North succeeding Sir Richard Mantle OBE. Panellists from Leeds Conservatoire, Opera North and South Asian Arts-uk discussed a range of topics including the shared commitment to the inclusive growth of cultural and educational life, in order to make a positive contribution to the development of professional musical excellence for the benefit of students, our city, our region and our sectors.
“Together, Opera North and Leeds Conservatoire are continuing to build on our five-year partnership and play a key role in shaping the musical landscape of the city of Leeds and beyond. Both partners recognise there is a real need to ensure we have a sustainable and inclusive cultural ecosystem which attracts, develops and retains both talent and audiences.
“Our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical musicians and performers makes a positive contribution by providing opportunities for students to develop their professional musicianship, employability skills and career awareness through engagement with practitioners and specialists from Opera North.”
Becky Smith, Head of Academic Partnerships, Opera North
“As two large, specialist cultural organisations in Leeds we have a responsibility to come together and reflect on some of the very real challenges our industry and our region are experiencing. The partnership between Leeds Conservatoire and Opera North means we can also engage students, the future leaders of our industries, in the conversation and how we may work together to improve the cultural landscape for everyone.
“By collaborating in these discussions, we can better think about supporting artists and supporting our wider community through art and music. Our impact is doubled by working together.”
Patsy Gilbert, Vice Principal of Leeds Conservatoire
Leeds Conservatoire graduate Haegee Chung performing
Following the panel, the combined forces of Leeds Conservatoire Orchestra and the Orchestra of Opera North performed side-by-side, conducted by George Morton. The concert included works by Still, Barber and Stravinsky. Haegee Chung returned to perform the Barber Violin Concerto as the winner of the conservatoire’s Concerto Prize. Haegee graduated from Leeds Conservatoire this summer and is now studying a postgraduate degree at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.
Ahead of the concert, student players took part in a side-by-side rehearsal with members of the Orchestra of Opera North. This valuable opportunity provided students with feedback, advice and direction on their playing alongside the experience of a professional rehearsal.
In addition, guided by Leeds Conservatoire Academic Manager Si McGrath, students on the conservatoire’s BA Music (Production) pathway had the rare opportunity to record the orchestra, live in concert.
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.
“I had the privilege of practicing and performing with Opera North during my days at Leeds Conservatoire. However, playing this concerto with them is truly an honour. Many of my teachers and colleagues at the Manhattan School of Music congratulated me on the chance to play with Opera North and Leeds Conservatoire orchestra.”
Haegee Chung, Leeds Conservatoire graduate
“It’s a really fantastic opportunity for the Leeds Conservatoire students to sit alongside members of the Orchestra of Opera North for this performance - as well as sharing the concert platform, they’ve had sectional coaching from Opera North players and had a full rehearsal with the whole orchestra.
“This experience has encouraged and inspired the students, giving an invaluable insight into their world-class music making, as well as providing ideas, suggestions, and practical solutions to orchestral rehearsal and performance. It’s been fantastic to see the mentorship and kindness from Opera North musicians towards the Leeds Conservatoire students, and I hope this partnership continues to thrive.”
George Morton, Conductor
"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 has built upon existing knowledge."
Abbie Wheeler, Leeds Conservatoire student
