New to opera?

How much does it cost?

Opera is much cheaper than many people think, with tickets starting from just £16 at Leeds Grand Theatre (prices vary by venue).

If you have never been to the opera before, you can also sign up to get £20* tickets in the stalls via our Try it ON scheme. Students and young people aged 16-29 can sign up to Opera North’s free Under 30s scheme and get tickets for just £10*, as well as other great benefits.

How long is an opera?

Most operas are the length of an average film (between two and three hours), but with an interval – or sometimes two – during which you can stretch your legs, get a drink at the bar, or whatever you wish!

Each opera’s running time is displayed on the relevant webpage for each opera.

Will I be able to understand what is being sung?

Yes. Many operas here are performed in English translation, or in their original language (like Italian, French or German). All our operas are subtitled, which means that a translation appears on screens at the side of the stage. As singing takes longer than speaking, your eyes can easily move between stage and screen, so you won’t miss any of the action.

The language in which every opera will be performed can be found on the relevant webpage for each opera.

Where should I sit?

That depends on how much you want to spend. Prices are spread throughout the auditorium so have a look at each level to see which seats/prices you prefer. You can get a good view and hear everything from nearly all areas of each theatre that we perform in. Book early to get the best seats at the best prices.

With our Try it ON scheme, you can book fantastic seats in the stalls – close to the action – for just £20*!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code for Opera North performances. If you want to dress up and make a special occasion of it, go for it, but jeans are equally welcome. It’s your night!

Do I need to read up beforehand?

There’s no need to prepare before you come along, although a quick glance through the plot synopsis (you’ll find one on the webpage for each opera) is always handy.

We also produce an introductory ‘in a nutshell’ guide for each opera which includes a summary of the plot, characters, set and costume designs, musical highlights to listen out for and a little about the opera’s history. 

Is there any opera etiquette I need to follow?

What will it sound like?

Opera singers do not use microphones, as their voices are trained to project over a full orchestra. This means that there is no barrier between the performer’s voice and audience, making opera a unique experience. The live orchestra itself, which can be up to 60 players (depending on the piece), provides an extra thrill.

However, the music of one composer can sound totally unlike another. Hear extracts of different operas on our YouTube channel or Soundcloud.

What else can I expect from an opera?

– Opera deals with all kinds of human experiences – it can surprise people how relevant opera can feel, whether the piece was written last week or 100 years ago.

– It’s perfect for people who love experiencing emotion in its rawest form. Nowadays, opera singers are also talented actors, so you can become fully immersed in all the drama.

– ‘Opera’ is as broad a genre as ‘film’ – there’s comedy, tragedy, thrillers, and everything in between. Each season, we programme a wide variety of pieces, so there is something for everyone. Explore what’s on below…