We’re seeking applications from music creators of a Global Majority background working in any genre for our next Resonance residency programme.
About Resonance
The Resonance music residency programme was launched by Opera North in 2017 to enable music-makers and composers from Global Majority backgrounds living across the north of England and the Midlands to develop a new performance idea with music at its heart.
Applicants might be interested in testing an exciting new possibility, exploring a great musical idea, telling a story through music, collaborating with a filmmaker or visual artist – or something we haven’t even considered before! The residency could be their first step towards turning their idea into reality or part of a longer on-going process.
Resonance offers six successful applicants:
- Up to a week (5 days) of free rehearsal space in Leeds with basic technical support
- A grant of up to £4,000 to cover fees for those involved and other costs
- Support and advice from technicians, producers and other specialists as needed
- An optional ‘work in progress’ performance opportunity for an invited audience
- An optional short film following the work in progress/performance
- Signposting to further opportunities
Resonance alumni have gone on to create major commissions for Opera North. Music Director on the first Resonance residency, Jasdeep Singh Degun, composed a sitar concerto, Arya, for the Orchestra of Opera North; he was composer and co-music director on the Company’s groundbreaking mainstage opera Orpheus, and is currently Artist in Residence.
Orpheus in the Record Shop, written and performed by writer, theatre-maker, beatboxer and 2019 Resonance artist Testament, was filmed for BBC Four during lockdown, and returned to the Leeds Playhouse stage to standing ovations in 2022. Nishla Smith, who was awarded a residency the same year, was subsequently appointed Programmer for the company’s Howard Assembly Room.
Discover more about the programme from our Resonance artists.
Who
- Applicants must be from a Global Majority background and live in the Midlands or north of England
- Applicants must be professional composers, musicians, producers or other style of music-makers
- All applicants must be 18 years old or over at the time of application
- Lead artists who have been recipients of Resonance residencies previously are not eligible for further support in 2024.
- We actively welcome applications from neurodivergent, D/deaf and disabled artists to this residency
When
Up to a week’s residency to take place between November 2024 and March 2025. There are six residency opportunities in total. Possible residency dates include but are not restricted to:
2024
w/c 11 November
2025
w/c 20 January
w/c 3 February
w/c 24 February
w/c 10 March
w/c 24 March
How to apply
To apply, artists should complete our short form by midnight on Monday 12 August 2024. We welcome audio and video applications and have included a box on the application form for applicants to insert a link. Audio or video files should be approximately 7-8 minutes long and be saved to Google Drive, Dropbox or as an unlisted YouTube video.
Opera North is keen to attract the widest possible range of talented artists for the scheme. The entry form is available in alternative formats, including Braille, large print and audio. To discuss making an application or if applying via the online portal is not accessible for any reason, please email liv.mccafferty@operanorth.co.uk or projects@operanorth.co.uk.
Previous Resonance artists Satnam Galsian and Rory A. Green will join Opera North Projects on the selection panel. All entrants will be notified of the outcome of their applications within three weeks of the deadline and shortlisted artists will be invited for an informal meeting to discuss their project. This can be either online or in person at Opera North’s home in Leeds. A form will be sent through to complete in advance – this will be used as a discussion framework for the meeting.
There is a budget for personal access costs.
Listen to Rory A. Green
Context & Credits
The Resonance 2024 programme is developed by Opera North Projects, based in Leeds. Opera North Projects is part of the national opera company for the north of England but works with musicians across the spectrum of classical and contemporary music.
Opera North Projects produces the programme in the Howard Assembly Room, a 300-seat venue for an eclectic range of music from Afrobeat and reggae to classical western and Indian music; from blues, folk, jazz and electronic music, to throat singing and live film scores. We hope to reflect this musical diversity in the Resonance 2024-25 programme.
As a signatory of the Keychange initiative founded by PRS Foundation, Opera North is committed to a fair gender balance among recipients of Resonance residencies.
The Resonance scheme has been enabled by Opera North’s membership of the PRS Foundation’s network of Talent Development Partners supported by PPL. The UK’s leading funder of new music and talent development, PRS Foundation supports organisations working at the frontline of talent development with a broad range of individual music creators. This reflects PRS Foundation’s commitment to supporting composers and songwriters of all backgrounds and genres, through direct investment or by helping organisations which nurture artists and promote their music.
