Tickets are currently available for the 8th annual Leeds Opera Festival, scheduled to take place from August 5 to September 8, 2024. Presented by Northern Opera Group, this festival offers a unique blend of world premieres and exciting collaborations aimed at engaging the entire community.
One of the highlights of the festival is the world premiere of the first-ever Sherlock Holmes opera, titled ‘Sherlock Holmes and The Sign of Four’. This new opera, composed by award-winning Lliam Paterson, brings to life the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes in a musical adaptation. The talented bass Edward Hawkins stars as Sherlock, alongside tenor David Horton as Watson, soprano Ellen Mawhinney as Mary, and bass Trevor Bowes as Jonathan Small. Audiences can expect a fresh musical interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic work.
In addition to the Sherlock Holmes opera, the festival also features an interactive mystery show touring over 20 libraries across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, and Kirklees. Titled ‘The Book of Eternity’, this immersive experience is designed for children aged 8-12 and includes creative workshops with primary school pupils in Leeds. Written by children’s mystery author Clare Povey, this show aims to bring the magic of opera to diverse communities.
Furthermore, festival attendees can enjoy a musical escape room experience, combining the excitement of opera with the challenges of an escape room. Created in collaboration with Locked In Games, this unique fusion of music and mystery is sure to captivate audiences.
The festival has appointed award-winning writer and producer Emma Hill as its Guest Artistic Director for 2024. As part of its commitment to fostering a more equitable and sustainable opera community, Northern Opera Group has established a House Agreement with Equity, ensuring fair pay and positive working conditions for artists.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Leeds Opera Festival 2024, visit the festival’s official website.
