As he prepares to step down in December, Sir Richard Mantle reflects on his nearly 30 years as General Director of Opera North in an evening of conversation and music from special guests including soprano Giselle Allen.
Richard will reminisce about some of the extraordinary artists he’s worked with over the years, landmark achievements such as the legendary Opera North Ring cycle, and the growth of the Company to encompass its own venue (the Howard Assembly Room), a sector-leading education and community programme, and, most recently, a new home for the Company in the heart of Leeds.
The conversation will be hosted by Sir Nicholas Kenyon, opera critic of the Telegraph and visiting scholar of Pembroke College and the Faculty of Music at the University of Cambridge. Nicholas is an author, broadcaster and arts manager, who ran the BBC Proms between 1996 and 2007, and whose most recent book is The Life of Music, a guide to the western classical tradition.
This is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate Sir Richard’s tenure, which was recognised with a knighthood in the King’s first birthday honours list earlier this year. Unique behind-the-scenes insights into the ups and downs of running one of the UK’s leading arts organisations over three often turbulent decades will be complemented by live music and laced, no doubt, with a ready supply of colourful anecdotes! You’ll also be welcome to join us for a drink after the event.
