Opera North Young Voices (ages 11–15)

Term Time

The Opera North Young Voices (ONYV) provides young people aged 11–15 with exciting opportunities to further their musical education and talent through the support of a professional opera company.

The group offers a perfect transition between the Children’s Chorus and the Youth Chorus and continues to provide expert training to enable young people to perfect their vocal technique, musicianship, and drama skills. Boys are offered specialist support during their voice change with separate sessions aimed specifically at their needs in addition to the full rehearsals.

Members receive training and guidance from experienced choral leaders and have the opportunity to work with professional directors and movement specialists to develop skills in drama and stagecraft.

Young Voices perform throughout the year both locally and nationally, often alongside the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North and other professional artists. Young Voices is proud to have performed at the Aldeburgh Festival, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Square Chapel Arts Centre, and Dewsbury Town Hall. Repertoire includes both secular and sacred music, from a variety of genres, with a particular focus on classical music/opera.

Price

£78 per term (from Sep 26). Financial assistance available.

Venue

Howard Opera Centre

Times
Thursdays, 5.30-7.45pm during term time.

Auditions
The next round of auditions will be taking place in June 2026. Please register your interest here.

Any questions?
Please contact youthcompany@operanorth.co.uk

How to join

Auditions for Young Voices take place annually in the summer and are open to all singers aged 11-15 years.

We are looking for young people who are passionate about singing and performing, and who are committed to exploring new and exciting ways to tell stories and developing key performance skills. No prior knowledge of opera is necessary, and we welcome applications from singers of all levels.

Audition process

Auditions are split into two parts: Solo vocal slot and a group drama session. Please prepare one song of your own choice (Aria / Lieder / Art song). Max 3 minutes. This should be something you are passionate about, and which shows off your voice. A piano accompaniment will be provided if required.

The audition panel will also ask you to do a few vocal exercises to test your range and musicianship.