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Opera North’s winter season

Details and to book operanorth.co.uk

From Mozart’s comic look at love and fidelity in Così fan tutte to the destructive forces of obsession and jealousy in Cavalleria rusticana and Rachmaninov’s Aleko, Opera North’s winter season takes audiences on a compelling journey through the human psyche, underpinned by some unforgettable scores.

The season opens with a revival of Giles Havergal’s immersive production of Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring. Conducted by music director Garry Walker, the opera will be staged in the Howard Assembly Room, Opera North’s intimate performance space in the heart of Leeds. Britten’s wry look at an archetypal English village sees Lady Billows (Judith Howarth) and other dignitaries thrown into confusion as they struggle to find a May Queen for the May Day celebrations. So attention turns to a possible May King – scandal-free Albert Herring (Dafydd Jones). However, one rum-laced lemonade throws everything into disarray.

More comedy ensures when Così fan tutte returns to the stage in Leeds and on tour. Opening at the Grand on February 2, Mozart’s opera sees two sisters being put to the test by their fiancés in disguise, thanks to an ill-advised bet to prove that neither woman will remain faithful if tempted. What follows is a light-hearted look at romance filled with seduction and revelations. Tim Albery’s classic production, set in the 18th century Age of Reason, features a new cast including Alexandra Lowe as Fiordiligi and Heather Lowe as Dorabella, with Anthony Gregory and Henry Neill as their duplicitous lovers, Ferrando and Guglielmo. Clemens Schuldt and Chloe Rooke, both in Opera North debuts, conduct Mozart’s beguiling score.

Completing the winter season, a double-bill of short operas directed by Karolina Sofulak pairs a revival of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana with a new production of the rarely performed Aleko. They are perfect companion pieces, both written when their composers were young and both focusing on the obsession and jealousy ignited by seeing a previous lover in the arms of another.

Following their run in Leeds, Così fan tutte and the double bill will tour across the North. At every venue, tickets for under-30s cost just £10, while through Try it ON, newcomers to opera can enjoy two tickets for £20 each. Free tickets for 16 to 20-year-olds at all Leeds shows.