Salford steps into the spotlight as Opera North looks ahead to Autumn season at The Lowry

Salford is set to take centre-stage this autumn as Opera North launches its latest season at The Lowry with a series of compelling images to be displayed around Greater Manchester and used online.

The Leeds-based arts organization, which tours across the north of England, has created a series of impactful visuals specifically for The Lowry with some of the principal singers from the upcoming season pictured in various instantly recognisable locations around Salford Quays.

Emily Simpson, Director of Audiences at Opera North, said:

“The Lowry is one of our regular touring venues and opera is something the residents can feel proud of hosting as part of their wider cultural offer. By putting this well-known area of Salford in the limelight, we’re looking to underline to residents that opera belongs to them – and, just like the place itself, offers a warm welcome to everyone, regardless of age or background. We invite the people of Salford to step into opera with us this autumn.” 

Julia Fawcett OBE, Chief Executive of The Lowry, said:

“As one of our founding partner companies, Opera North has been a vital part of our programme since our opening. Our audiences love the range and quality of the company’s work and we are thrilled to see their Salford home celebrated and amplifield in these stunning new images. We know this Autumn’s visit by Opera North will be something very special and we can’t wait to have them back”

Other initiatives to make it easier for audiences to come and experience opera include English subtitles at all performances, and sign-interpretation, audio description and touch tours on selected dates. New-to-opera ticket schemes are also available, encouraging newcomers to experience opera for the first time, including the Try it ON scheme offering £20 tickets for first-timers, and £10 tickets for Under 30s and students.

The company’s latest season, which arrives at The Lowry in November, offers magic, mystery and magnificent music in abundance. A revival of The Magic Flute sees James Brining returning to Opera North to direct a production for all ages packed with fantasy, romance and daring. The adventure sees Prince Tamino embarking on a quest to save Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the clutches of Sarastro, the Priest of the Sun, with plenty of surprises along the way and Mozart’s breathtaking score underpinning all the action.

The magic continues with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Benjamin Britten’s take on Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, featuring a host of well-known characters including Bottom the weaver and the mischievous Puck. Completing the trio is Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilariously inventive Gothic parody, Ruddigore, with a reluctant villain and modest maiden joined by an assortment of amiable ghosts and scary professional bridesmaids. Directed by Jo Davies, the production was hailed as an instant classic in its first run.

On Saturday 16 November, The Lowry will also host a performance of The Big Opera Adventure, an interactive family friendly show for children from 5 years old who are invited to help save a theatre from closure alongside a host of operatic characters. With music from the Orchestra of Opera North, this is a fun and engaging opportunity for all ages to dive into the world of opera.

For more information and tickets visit www.thelowry.com.