This time next year will see the start of Leeds 2023 – a yearlong celebration of culture across our city. There will be heaps of community events planned from dance, art and sport to poetry and theatre – we just can’t wait to get involved!

The team behind it say:

“LEEDS 2023 will be an explosion of colour, noise and brilliance that will show the world in our city and our city to the world.”

We want to take this opportunity to look back on some of the cultural conferences and events that we have hosted on campus. This week we’re looking back at the Opera North Orchestra Academy and Orchestra Camp which took place in Summer 2019 in the University’s School of Music.

The Opera North Orchestra Academy, aimed at 14-19 year olds, is a summer residential course that provides a world-class orchestral training experience with the Orchestra of Opera North in an inspirational and supportive environment.

As well as rehearsing and performing existing orchestral repertoire, the young delegates also benefited from a side-by-side rehearsal with the full orchestra and sectional coaching with the professional musicians. They were also able to gain an in-depth insight into working with a professional orchestra and conductor, as well as receiving additional opportunities to play and rehearse chamber music throughout the week.

With an action-packed programme full of fun, high quality musical experience and a chance to play alongside professionals, the budding musicians were able to develop their technical and musical ability in a creative and supportive environment.

We’re looking forward to welcoming the Opera North Orchestra Academy back this year!

Emma Barnett, Youth Orchestral Manager from Opera North Education says:

Opera North Education is pleased to return to University of Leeds Accommodation to host the residential component of our annual Summer Orchestra Academy. Each summer, young musicians come from all over the UK to spend a week working side by side with Orchestra of Opera North, a professional opera conductor and soloists from Opera North’s mainstage performances.

The Summer Orchestra Academy forms part of Opera North’s Youth Orchestral programme, which aims to and offer young musicians insight to working with a professional orchestra and conductor, and the ability to develop excellence in ensemble skills and orchestral performance.

Being able to host the students nearby to the Howard Opera Centre, in a safe and supportive environment at the University of Leeds, enables us to reach and support the development of young musicians across the North of England and beyond.

Photo Credit Justin Slee

We’d love to host some more cultural events in 2023 and beyond – get in touch with the team via our Contact Page if you have any ideas!