Opera North has announced it’s 2018 – 19 season, marking the company’s 40-year anniversary, which was established in November 1978.

The season will include numerous classic works including one UK premiere of an acclaimed U.S work. Here is a look at what this season has to offer.

September – December 2018

The season opens with Puccini’s classic “Tosca” in a new production by Edward Dick. Conductors Antony Hermus and Jonathan Santagada alternate at the pit with Giselle Allen and Susannah Glanville sharing the title role. Rafael Rojas sings Cavaradossi and Robert Hayward is the villainous Scarpia.

The company will revive Dick’s production of Lehar’s “The Merry Widow.” Martin André conducts Máire Flavin and Katie Bird alternating the role of Hanna Glawari, Amy Freston as Valencienne, Nicholas Watts as Camille de Rosillon, and Quirijn de Lang in the role of Danilo.

The first half of the season concludes with Kevin Puts’ “Silent Night” making its U.K debut. Nicholas Kok conducts Tim Albery’s new production which is set to star Rupert Charlesworth, Máire Flavin, Richard Burkhard, and Adrian Clarke.

January – March 2019

The season starts up again with Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” in James Brining inventive production. Robert Howarth conducts a cast that includes Noluvuyiso Mpofu and Ellie Laugharne as Pamina, Kang Wang as Tamino, Samantha Hay in the daunting role of the Queen of the Night, and John Savournin as Sarastro.

Leoš Janáček’s masterful score of “Katya Kabanova” returns with Sian Edwards conducting Tim Albery’s production. Rebecca de Pont Davies sings the role Kabanicha with Christopher Turner as Tichon, and Katie Bray as Varvara. The rest of the cast will be announced at a later date.

The company will present a double bill which will include Stravinsky’s symphonic masterpiece The Rite of Spring with the Phoenix Dance Theatre and Puccini’s comic masterpiece “Gianni Schicchi.” Garry Walker conducts Christopher Alden’s production which is set to star Richard Burkhard in the title role, Tereza Gevorgyan, and Diego Silva.

May – June 2019

The season concludes with a concert performance of Verdi’s “Aida” with Sir Richard Armstrong conducting Annabel Arden’s semi-staged production. Rafael Rojas performs the role of Radamès while Eric Greene is Amonasro. The remaining cast will be announced at a later moment.