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 30 years. Leeds Youth Opera adds to the cultural diversity of the region and offers young people the opportunity to work with professional directors, both Artistic and Musical, to stage two operas each year. Our Artistic Director is Jonathan Cliff and our Musical Director is Michael Williamson.
Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds, are aged 12 to 25 and are drawn from schools, colleges and universities in and around Leeds. The one thing they all share is a passion for opera and 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 are 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 far a future in music and the theatre. However far 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 West Park Centre in Spen Lane. Leeds, every Saturday morning throughout term time with additional rehearsals on Friday evenings for principals.
The group is 1 of 16 City of Leeds Youth Music (CLYM) Groups run by ArtForms Education Leeds. It is managed by a small but dedicated committee of volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds and promote Leeds Youth Opera. Leeds Youth Opera is a registered charity and part of Artforms Education Leeds. The group is a member of the Leeds Civic Arts Guild.
