Opera North Youth Chorus (ages 16–21)

The Opera North Youth Chorus (ONYC) provides young people aged 16–21 with the skills and experience to become well-rounded performers.

As well as developing their singing voices and musicianship skills with dedicated vocal leaders in weekly sessions, members also work with professional directors and movement specialists to develop skills in drama and stagecraft.

The Youth Chorus explore music from a range of genres, performing in exciting concerts locally and nationally, often alongside the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North and other professionals. An annual residential summer project is an important part of the programme, giving members the opportunity to take part in a staged production, working alongside a professional creative team. Recent performances include ‘The Runaway Royal’ in Leeds Grand Theatre, ‘Trial by Jury’ at The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton, and ‘Pirates Revisited’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Youth Chorus have also devised several new works, working with established composers and librettists.

Many members use their training with Youth Chorus as a springboard to continue their studies (and careers) in the arts.