Leeds Youth Opera is unique in the region, throughout Britain and, we believe, internationally. This vibrant and exciting group has been delighting audiences in Leeds for over 40 years. Leeds Youth Opera adds to the cultural diversity of the region and offers young people the opportunity to work with our professional Musical director Tom Newall, to stage two operas each year.
Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They are aged between 12 to 25, on joining and may remain members until 29. They are drawn from schools, colleges and universities in and around Leeds. The one thing they all share is a passion for singing. Their commitment in combining a strenuous rehearsal schedule with their studies and daily lives is to be commended.
The portfolio of past productions is impressive and includes traditional, light and modern operas as well as British Productions, carefully chosen to ensure the whole company is involved as much as possible in the creation of the opera both in the chorus and in principal roles. This will often mean a very heavy commitment on the part of these young people.
For many of our young performers we provide training and a platform for a future in music and the theatre. However for a great number of them we provide an opportunity to work as part of a team to create something very special. We hope their time with the group will instill in them a lifelong love and appreciation of the performing arts.
The group rehearses at the Carriageworks Theatre in central Leeds, every Saturday morning throughout term time with additional rehearsals on Friday evenings for principals. Rehearsals may also take place nearer production at City of Leeds School. The group is also engaged in learning about marketing, publicityand fundraising.
Leeds Youth Opera is a registered charity number 1139608. It is managed by a small but dedicated committee of trustees who raise funds and promote Leeds Youth Opera. It is assisted by The Friends of Leeds Youth Opera who, in addition to fundraising, assist in the production week back and front stage. Leeds Youth Opera is one of 16 City of Leeds Youth Music (CLYM) Groups under the umbrella of Artforms Education Leeds. The group is a member of the Leeds Civic Arts Guild.
