New Year’s Resolutions can be a great way to focus on the things that really matter to you. If getting creative features on your family’s list this year, here’s some inspiration for five simple ways to get more music into your life. Happy 2020!
1. Nurture Talent
If your child loves singing, now’s their chance to train with a professional opera company. Opera North runs weekly sessions in Leeds for young people from 8 years old and also provides regular performance opportunities, often with the Orchestra of Opera North. Auditions are kept fun and informal. Come along to Yorkshire Dance after school on Thursday 9 January to try out for either the Children’s Chorus (8-11) or Young Voices (12-15).
Opera North Children's Chorus in rehearsal © Justin Slee
2. Get singing
If you’re over 55, why not take the opportunity to make new friends and indulge your passion for singing in 2020 by joining a Sing ON group? Not only is singing with other people fun, it’s also been shown to reduce stress and enhance feelings of wellbeing.
Relaxed and friendly, Sing ON sessions are held weekly in Alwoodley, Oakwood, Morley and Headingley in Leeds and at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. You don’t need to be able to read music and everyone is welcome.
SingON at Alwoodley © Justin Slee
3. Experience more opera
Ensure you catch every aria this coming year by becoming a Friend of Opera North. As well as priority booking each season (so you can get your favourite seat every time!), you’ll get exclusive access to dress rehearsals, a chance to attend special members’ events throughout the year and an invitation to the Annual Season Preview.
New to opera? If you fancy giving it a go next year, take advantage of Opera North’s Try it ON scheme which offers great seats in the stalls for just £20 in Leeds, Nottingham and Salford Quays near Manchester.
Audiences at Leeds Grand Theatre © Tom Arber
4. Treat the family
Introduce the younger members of the family to both theatre and music in one fell swoop when Green Eggs and Ham comes to town. Perfect for 4 to 7-year-olds and featuring two opera singers and a 9-piece orchestra, the Dr Seuss classic is being performed throughout February and March at venues across the North of England including Alnwick, Barnard Castle, Hexham, Doncaster, Huddersfield and York. There’s even a workshop introducing everyone to the music, instruments and themes before the performance begins.
John Savournin and Charlotte Trepess in The Mini Magic Flute © Mark McNulty
4. Encourage young musicians
For the aspiring musicians in the family, Summer sees the return of Opera North Orchestra Camp in Leeds. Over the course of a week, the camp offers an action-packed programme of musical experiences alongside the Orchestra of Opera North and is suitable for young players of all abilities aged 10-18 years. Enrolment opens in the new year.
Opera North Orchestra Camp 2019 © Justin Slee
