For the first time Opera North opens its doors to the full production process, providing an insight into how a world-class opera is created, from planning to stage.

Students and have the opportunity to learn through observation and sharing the experiences of the professional creative team, including directors, designers and musicians.

Symposia bring artistic and academic specialists together to challenge and debate pertinent issues.

Summer & Autumn 2011
Students and academics observed elements of the production rehearsal process for Madama Butterfly, Ruddigore and The Queen of Spades.

Ruddigore Winter 2010
A programme of sixteen different opportunities brought students and academics into the heart of the production process for Opera North's Ruddigore between December '09 and February '10.

Opera North's Company Manager, Senior Stage Manager and Head of Costume provided an insight into their roles and interactions with the process, and opportunities to meet the director, conductor and principal singers complemented observation of the model showing, rehearsals and public performances.

Skin Deep winter 2009

Opera North's new commission Skin Deep, on the theme of cosmetic surgery, engaged academics and students from across the learning spectrum.

Composer David Sawer and librettist Armando Ianucci discussed their work with music students, communications students documented the production process on film and both students and academics observed model showings and cast, chorus and orchestral rehearsals.

Collaborative conferences took place both at the Howard Assembly Room at Opera North and Leeds Town Hall.

Skin Deeper: Cosmetic surgery and popular culture

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/special-projects/talks-literary/skin-deeper/

Vengeance& Desire: On the theme of psychoanalysis and sibling rivalry.

The Shakespeare season spring 08
In addition to observing the creative process for Opera North's season of three new productions, Macbeth; Midsummer Night’s Dream; and Romeo et Juliette, academics and practitioners came together in a series of events to discuss and explore thought-provoking issues.
Symposium, 30 January 2008, University of Leeds.
Given that the particular demands of opera require contraction and modification of the text, what are the crucial elements in successful adaptation?

The Fortunes of King Croesus autumn 07

Students from the Schools of English, Performance and Cultural Industries and Music participated in a study programme and observed rehearsals for the piece.