The Orchestra of Opera North holds a unique place amongst British orchestras. Universally praised by audiences and critics alike, the orchestra is the only ensemble in the country to have a year-round dual role in the opera house and concert hall.
The Orchestra of Opera North plays a significant part in the major concert series of the region, including working with Kirklees Council to curate a ground-breaking collaboration which has resulted in the Kirklees Concert Season based in Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Halls.
Important relationships with Leeds International Concert Season, Leeds Town Hall and Leeds City Council see the Orchestra performing regular concerts of major symphonic repertoire, gala concerts and collaborating with the region’s choral societies. It is the resident orchestra for the Leeds Conductors Competition and plays in Leeds University’s International Concert Season annually.
The Orchestra of Opera North works closely with the Education department to develop the skills of young musicians, connect with new audiences, and perform family-friendly concerts.
The Orchestra has received international recognition for its recordings of music by Walton, Delius and Vaughan Williams and more recently has recorded the complete works for piano and orchestra by Beethoven with Howard Shelley as soloist/director for Chandos, which received universal praise from critics.