Artistic Futures

In this episode, Rakhi Singh reflects on her journey as a musician and her work with Manchester Collective. She also shares useful advice about freelancing as a musician.Musical excerpt: 'Pierrot Lunaire' by Arnold Schoenberg performed by Manchester Collective

In this episode, Emma Black reflects on her career so far and the work she has done at Opera North over the years. She speaks about the forthcoming Youth production of Eugene Onegin and shares useful advice for aspiring artists and directors. Musical excerpt: 'Mi Chiamano Mimi' From La Boheme by Puccini

In this episode, John Savournin gives us a glimpse of what the rehearsal process for Ariadne auf Naxos has been like and reflects on his career so far, combining singing, directing and writing.Musical excerpt: Finale Act 1 from Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart

In this episode, violinist Byron Parish recalls how he got into classical music and shares his motivation to inspire the next generation of musicians. Byron has been a member of the Orchestra of Opera North since 2015 and will feature as soloist in Walton's violin concerto alongside the Opera North Youth Orchestra in December 2022.Musical excerpt: 'Te Deum!' from Tosca

In this episode, Textile Artist Natalie Needham tells us about her work as part of the costume department at Opera North. She also introduces Stitch Away the Stigma, a creative art programme she created to support anyone who loves or cares for someone with an alcohol/ drug use disorder or gambling addiction.Musical excerpt: 'Papagena!' from The Magic Flute

To open the second season of Artistic Futures, Manoj Kamps recalls their first musical encounters, growing up in Sri Lanka, and speaks openly about the challenges of being a queer conductor. Musical excerpt: 'Brindisi' from La traviata.

In this episode, Anna Pool tells us about all the different aspects of her work. As director, composer, writer and performer, she reflects on what drives her creations and shares advice for those particularly interested developing multi-disciplinary artististic careers. Musical excerpt: ‘Da tempeste il legno infranto' (Cleopatra) from Handel's Gulio Cesare sung by Lucie Chartin.

In this episode, Opera North Musical Director Garry Walker tells us about the challenges and rewards of being a conductor. He also reflects on the role music plays in society and shares useful tips. Musical excerpt: Rigoletto ACT II Duet (Rigoletto, Gilda) sung by Eric Greene and Jasmine Habersham.

In this episode, Opera North Youth Chorus Master and organist Nicholas Shaw recounts how he started his career as a church musician before finding renewed inspiration working with young people and immersing himself in the world of opera. He shares precious advice for young performers too. Musical excerpt: ‘In Carmine Doloris' from the opera Jephte by Giacomo Carissimi (1605-1674), reworked by James Batty.

In this episode, Syrian composer and Qanun player Maya Youssef introduces us to her beautiful instrument, shares her musical journey and tells us how she started composing. She also reflects on how music can be a powerful tool to bring about peace and create empathy. Musical excerpt: Silver Lining composed and performed by Maya Youssef as part of the https://www.operanorth.co.uk/watch-online/walking-home-sound-journeys-from-lockdown/ (Walking Home) project.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Syrian composer and qanun player Maya Youssef.

In this episode, Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie tells us how he got into classical music and shares his passion for education. Young instrumentalists interested in pursuing a career will also find plenty of useful tips! Musical excerpt: ‘Prelude' (Act 1) from Rigoletto played by the Orchestra of Opera North.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie.

In this episode, Themba Mvula recalls how he became an opera singer. He shares his passion for new music and tells us about his experience singing the role of Marullo in the new Opera North production of Rigoletto. Expect really useful audition tips too! Musical excerpt: ‘La Donna e Nobile' (Duke of Mantua) from Rigoletto sung by Roman Arndt.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Baritone Themba Mvula.

In this episode, Anna Yates explains what the role of a designer entails and tells us how she got into Opera through her love for cinema.   Musical excerpt: Der Rosenkavalier Overture by Richard Strauss

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Designer Anna Yates.

In this episode, Sian Edwards tells us about her career as a conductor and some of the advantages and challenges of being a woman in the profession. She shares her favourite operas and tips for young musicians who might be tempted to give conducting a go. Musical excerpt: Katya Kabanova Act II (Kudryash, Varvara) by Janáček sang by Alexander Sprague and Katie Bray, and conducted by Sian Edwards

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Conductor Sian Edwards.

In this third episode, Director Matthew Eberhardt tells us about how he got into directing operas and what this role exactly entails. He shares thoughtful advice with aspiring directors and gives useful audition tips for actors and singers too.   Musical excerpt: ‘Numi, pieta del mio straziato core' (Amneris) from Aida sung by Alessandra Volpe and the Chorus of Opera North.

Don't miss the second episode of Artistic Futures with Director Matthew Eberhardt.

In this second episode, Mezzo-Soprano Chrystal E. Williams tells us about preparing for the lead role of Carmen, shares her passion about making opera more accessible and diverse, and encourages young artists from all backgrounds to follow their own trajectories. Musical excerpt: Aria ‘Habanera' from Carmen sung by Chrystal E. Williams and the Chorus of Opera North. *2001 and not 2011 at 4:12

Don't miss the second episode of Artistic Futures with the inspiring American Mezzo Soprano Chrystal E. Williams.

In this first episode, soprano Marie Claire Breen takes us on a trip to Scotland where she grew up and trained as an opera singer. She shares her passion for education and great audition tips too! Musical excerpt: Aria 'Come quickly, my beloved' (Susanna) from The Marriage of Figaro sung by Flur Wyn.

Don't miss our first episode with soprano Marie Claire Breen.