Job vacancies

Opera North is England’s national opera company in the North and a leading European arts organisation. Acclaimed for its imaginative programming and innovative productions on the main stage, Opera North also programmes its own venue, the Howard Assembly Room, with an enormous diversity of activity.

We create music and opera for everyone, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and sections of the community. Opera North is committed to Arts Council England’s Creative Case for Diversity in all aspects of our recruitment and employment practices and we are the first opera company to be awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status. We are keen to encourage a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge within Opera North and to support this commitment and to help us develop our policies and procedures, we ask all job applicants to complete our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form.

If you need any help applying to a job, including any adjustments to the application process, and if you’re applying under the Disability Confident Committed Scheme, please contact appointments@operanorth.co.uk

We do not use agencies to fill our positions, no agencies please.

If not otherwise stated, all deadlines are at 23.59pm.

We regret that we cannot contact applicants individually about their applications. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of the job closing, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion and keep an eye out for future vacancies.

The Orchestra of Opera North is looking for an experienced, dynamic and well-motivated musician to fill the role of Section Principal Double Bass. 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. With headquarters in Leeds and deep roots across the community, we devise work to tour throughout the North of England, as well as nationally and internationally, we also invest in dedicated educational partnerships throughout each season.

To apply to audition please submit your application and anonymised one page CV via Musical Chairs by 11.59pm Friday 28 March.

Please read below and download the Job Pack for complete information on the position, the audition process and relevant audition requirements. Applicants will be sent copies of the set piece and audition excerpts directly.

Please note the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK or be ready to obtain it.

Selected candidates will be invited to audition on the following dates:
Monday 19 May Howard Opera Centre Leeds
Sunday 25 May Royal Opera and Ballet London

The audition will consist of two rounds, the first of which will be screened. Those applicants invited to stay for the second round will be heard on the same day. Please note that the panel may offer certain candidates direct progression to the second round audition following CV selection.

Should you have any question regarding the application or auditions please contact orchestrarecruitment@operanorth.co.uk

If you need any help completing your application, including any adjustments to the application process, and if you are applying under the Disability Confident Committed scheme, please contact appointments@operanorth.co.uk

Salary: £44,719.50
Deadline for applications:  28th March 2025
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy | Guidance Notes | Job Pack | Application and audition process

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Committed to producing high quality work that informs, excites and entertains, Opera North is looking for an experienced and well-motivated individual to fill the role of Howard Assembly Room General Manager to oversee the successful management of all aspects of the Howard Assembly Room, balancing the organisation’s artistic and commercial ambitions for the venue.

The position will report to the newly created Commercial and Strategy Director, working closely with the Director of
Artistic Administration, the Howard Assembly Room Technical Manager, the Howard Assembly Room House and
Events Manager, the Head of Facilities and Health & Safety, as well as with the Audiences, Development, Finance and Learning & Engagement teams.

Interviews to be held in: Howard Opera Centre
First Round Interviews: Tuesday 1st April and Wednesday 2nd April

Please note the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK or be ready to obtain it.

To apply for this role, please send a CV and covering letter via the Hireful website. If you need any help completing your application, including any adjustments to the application process, and if you are applying under the Disability Confident Committed scheme, please contact appointments@operanorth.co.uk to make us aware.

Salary: From £42,000 depending on experience
Deadline for applications:  20th March 2025
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy | Guidance Notes | Job Pack

Apply now

Committed to producing high quality work that informs, excites and entertains, Opera North is looking for an experienced and well-motivated individual to fill the role of Senior Philanthropy Manager.

The successful candidate will help create, shape, and deliver the long-term strategic plan to increase financial support from Individuals, Trusts and Foundations and Corporate Donors to Opera North (ON). The role holder will be responsible for building, developing, and stewarding long-lasting relationships that will support priority areas for fund-raising. They will play an integral part in the delivery of the team’s aims and philanthropic income targets.

Interviews to be held in: Howard Opera Centre, 8 Harrison Street, Leeds, LS1 6PA

To apply for this role, please send a CV and covering letter via the Hireful website. If you need any help completing your application, including any adjustments to the application process, and if you are applying under the Disability Confident Committed scheme, please contact appointments@operanorth.co.uk to make us aware.

Salary: Circa £40,000 per annum.
Deadline for applications: 24th March 2025
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy | Guidance Notes | Job Pack

Apply now

As users of the disability confident scheme, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy will be offered an interview.

Partner organisation of Parents & Carers in Performing Arts.