Love is in the air at Opera North this Valentine’s Day with a handpicked selection of special events.
Choose between Mozart’s Così fan tutte on stage in Leeds Grand Theatre, Schubert’s popular Trout Quintet in Dewsbury, a screening of the classic French film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg with picnic hampers in the Howard Assembly Room, or a special Valentine’s Day menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients in Kino.
Mischief and misunderstandings abound in Così fan tutte, Mozart’s light-hearted exploration of the vagaries of love and romance. It all begins with an ill-advised wager suggested by the cynic Don Alfonso who is determined to prove that promises are all too easily broken when fidelity is put to the test. Disguises, seduction and revelations follow, underpinned by some of the most beautiful music the composer ever wrote.
Director Tim Albery places the action in the era of enlightenment with lavish 18th Century dresses and an intriguing set based on a ‘camera obscura’. The Valentine’s Day performance starts at 7pm in Leeds Grand Theatre.
Helen Sherman as Dorabella and Gavan Ring as Guglielmo in Così fan tutte (2016) © Tristram Kenton
Earlier in the day, people are invited to fall in love with Schubert when the Opera North Piano Quintet take to the stage in Dewsbury Town Hall over lunchtime to perform the composer’s popular Trout Quintet.
Based on an earlier work which Schubert wrote to evoke a picture of ‘lively fish swimming in the clear brook’, his magnificent Trout Quintet is one of the best-known chamber pieces in the world. Part of Opera North’s Chamber Series in Kirklees, it’s also a great opportunity to enjoy listening to smaller ensembles of the company’s musicians.
Incurable romantics should make a beeline for the Howard Assembly Room to enjoy the classic film, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg starring Catherine Deneuve. What’s more, the screening will be preceded by a set from The Chanteuse Lucy Hope celebrating the work of the master of the French love song and composer of the film’s score, Michele Legrand.
For couples wishing to enjoy a treat while they watch the action unfold, a trio of sharing hampers has been designed by the team at Kino. The choices includes sparkling wine, artisan popcorn and homemade truffles with either sparkling wine or made-to-order cocktails, or a savoury option with a cheese board and pâté en croute alongside the sweet treats.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg offers romance on screen in the Howard Assembly Room
Kino’s pre-theatre menu is perfect for anyone keen to eat before the opera or film. With two courses for £31 or three for £34, choices include Smoked Ham Fritter & Apricot Mustard with Confit of Yorkshire Duck & Puy Lentils to follow or, for vegetarians, Pumpkin Pithivier with pickled walnut and a caramelised onion sauce. For dessert, a cherry blossom sorbet adds a suitably romantic touch to a decadent single-origin Chocolate Tart.
For foodies who love to linger over their food, Kino is also offering a five-course menu created exclusively for Valentine’s Day using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. While they enjoy their meal, diners can look forward to being serenaded by Lucy Hope who will bring her musicians to Kino to perform a selection of French chansons following her appearance in the Howard Assembly Room earlier in the evening.
Enjoy a meal à deux in Kino this Valentine's Day with a special evening menu © Jo Ritchie
