Opera North Unveils an Exciting New Season of Talent, Creativity, and Storytelling

Opera North has announced its highly anticipated 2025-26 season, promising a spectacular lineup that celebrates opera’s power to tell compelling stories through breathtaking music and innovative performances. The new season features fresh productions, beloved revivals, and an emphasis on collaboration and accessibility.

A Season of Firsts and Fresh Perspectives

Opera North is set to open its season with the UK premiere of Dame Judith Weir’s The Secret of the Black Spider, performed by the Opera North Youth Company. This marks a historic moment as the first opera by a female composer to be performed on the company’s main stage. The production also highlights the next generation of talent, with young artists taking centre stage both in performance and orchestration.

Collaboration takes centre stage in Susanna, a new production of Handel’s dramatic English oratorio in partnership with Phoenix Dance Theatre. This bold interpretation intertwines opera with contemporary dance, offering a powerful retelling of the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders. Notably, the production will feature creative integrated British Sign Language (BSL) signing, reinforcing Opera North’s commitment to accessibility.

Reviving Classics with a Modern Touch

Fans of traditional opera will be delighted by the return of two much-loved classics. Puccini’s La bohème, revived under the direction of James Hurley, transports audiences to the vibrant student life of 1960s Paris while staying true to the opera’s emotional depth. Meanwhile, Peter Grimes, Britten’s haunting masterpiece, returns in Phyllida Lloyd’s acclaimed production, exploring the powerful tensions of an outsider struggling within his community.

Adding a new twist to a timeless favourite, The Marriage of Figaro will be performed in its original Italian for the first time at Opera North. Directed by Louisa Muller, the production blends sharp wit with deep emotion, making it a highlight of the season.

Innovative Works and Family-Friendly Experiences

Opera North continues to push boundaries with Pass the Spoon, a wildly imaginative “sort-of-opera” created by David Fennessy and visual artist David Shrigley. This darkly comic show, set within a chaotic cooking programme, fuses music, puppetry, and absurd humour.

For younger audiences, The Big Opera Mystery invites children aged 5-12 to uncover a musical whodunit, bringing opera to life in a playful and interactive way.

Expanding Reach and Accessibility

Opera North remains committed to making opera accessible to all. With touring performances across the North, English subtitles at every show, and schemes like Try It ON and Under 30s offering discounted tickets, the company ensures that audiences of all backgrounds can experience live opera. A new partnership with the Nevill Holt Festival in Leicestershire will further expand opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

A Thriving Orchestra and Community Engagement

Beyond the main stage, the Orchestra of Opera North will feature in film screenings of Amadeus and Psycho with live orchestration, as well as orchestral concerts showcasing renowned guest conductors and soloists. Meanwhile, participation initiatives such as From Couch to Chorus and a Key Stage 2 singing project inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s Dear Olly will continue to engage music lovers of all ages.

With a dynamic mix of classic and contemporary productions, Opera North’s 2025-26 season is a vibrant celebration of music, storytelling, and inclusivity. Tickets go on sale from 26 March for package deals, with general booking opening on 20 June.

New to Opera? Opera North make it easy to start your journey. Visit their handy guide for more details.