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Details
Leeds Town Hall
The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AD
England
Programme
Johann Sebastian Bach – Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
Victor Hely-Hutchinson – The First Nowell: Carol Symphony
Hector Berlioz – The Shepherds' Farewell
Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Orchestral Suite no.1 in D minor, Op.43
Cole Porter – Kiss Me Kate: 'Another op'nin, Another show'
Giuseppe Verdi – La Traviata: 'Brindisi'
Giacomo Puccini – Madama Butterfly: Humming Bird Chorus
Franz Lehár – The Merry Widow: selection (arr. H M Higgs & orch. D Godfrey)
Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Eugene Onegin: Waltz and Polonaise
Pietro Mascagni – Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo & Easter Hymn
Leonard Bernstein – Candide: Finale
Performers
Simon Wright – Conductor
Lorna James – soprano
Victoria Sharp – soprano
Stuart Laing – tenor
Orchestra of Opera North
Leeds Festival Chorus
Programme Note
Join us this December as over 200 musicians from Opera North and Leeds Festival Chorus raise the roof of Leeds Town Hall with a wonderfully uplifting programme tailored for the Christmas season. A glittering showcase of some of the best choral and orchestral music ever created, this concert is packed with festive favourites including many featured on The Telegraph’s Top 10 Best Pieces of Classical Christmas Music andClassic FM Hall of Fame.
Under the baton of Simon Wright, the evening begins with an excerpt from Bach’s ever-popular Christmas Oratorio, before the Orchestra of Opera North plays the enchanting The First Nowell from Hely-Hutchinson’s magnificent Carol Symphony. Synonymous with the festive season, the twinkling celeste melodies of Tchaikovsky’sNutcracker Suite bring the magical world of Russian fairy tales to life.
The ethereal beauty of The Shepherds’ Farewell from Berlioz’s L’enfance du Christ is simply breath-taking when performed live. The glorious blend of warm woodwind sounds, sublime choral harmonies and sensitive orchestral accompaniment sends tingles down the spine. Having received a euphoric response when premiered, it is a firm favourite for many and will be simply entrancing when performed in the majestic surroundings of Leeds Town Hall.
A Festive Box of Delights wouldn’t be complete without a sensational foray into the world of opera featuring soloists from Opera North. Indulge in some of the most famous arias from Opera North seasons past and future, including the spirited drinking song from Verdi’s La traviata, Puccini’s magical Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly and the heartbreakingly beautiful Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticanaamongst others.
