HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE AT CHRISTMAS

Looking for a Christmas gift with a difference? Try the opera! Perfect for music lovers, theatre fans and design aficionados, opera offers amazing music, drama, sets and costumes, as well as compelling storylines and thought-provoking perspectives on the way we live our lives. In fact, it might be an idea to get yourself a ticket as well so that you have something to look forward to at the end of the festivities! You can even add in a meal at Kino beforehand. Located on New Briggate, Kino offers a seasonal menu with a Yorkshire twist, with Head Chef Josh Whitehead and his team creating every dish using local produce.

A MISCHIEVOUS ROM-COM

Opening in the Leeds Grand Theatre at the beginning of February is Mozart’s Così fan tutte, a comic opera which takes a wry look at love and romance. It starts with a wager that the fiancées (who also happen to be sisters) of two young men will not stay faithful to them if tempted. You will have to go to the theatre to discover what happens but suffice to say, all four young lovers find out a great deal about themselves and each other as the story unfolds.

THE MAGIC OF MOZART

Of course, opera is all about the music and, with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as the composer, you know you are in for a treat. In fact, many people claim that, with its mix of arias, duets, trios, quartets and sextets, this is some of the most sublime music Mozart ever wrote. Not only that but you are guaranteed an amazing musical experience with the Orchestra of Opera North playing live in the pit and the vocal power of opera singers whose voices reach to every corner of the auditorium without any amplification – something which needs to be heard to be believed. Even better news, this particular opera is sung in English and subtitles will be displayed on screens on either side of the stage in case you don’t quite catch every word.

AN AFFORDABLE TREAT

For anyone new to opera, Try it ON offers two great tickets for just £20 each, and under 30s can take advantage of £10 tickets.* With Kino offering two courses for £31 and three for £34, it all adds up to a special evening out for less than you might imagine. *Booking fees may apply