I’ve been mad about the opera since I was a teenager – no-one in my family had any interest at all in classical music but after a school visit to Welsh National Opera I loved it – the drama, the singing, the costumes, the sets!  Like a few other carers I’ve met at Carers Leeds, some of the highlights of our lives have been visits to Covent Garden to see stars like Pavarotti – for me, from the cheap seats in the upper balcony.

When I found out that the fantastic Opera North had a scheme offering very cheap or free tickets to community groups I applied to join and we are now established members of the ‘Encore’ Scheme.   For every opera they stage at the Grand Theatre and for some of their live music shows at the Howard Assembly Rooms, we are offered tickets.  We don’t get enough notice to publicise the tickets in the Newsletter, so we ask carers who are interested to phone in on 0113 246 8338 to let us know that they would like to have a ticket when they become available.  Then, when the tickets are offered, one of our Reception volunteers phones around the list and offers the ticket.  You can bring another person with you if you wish.  Opera tickets cost £5 and are usually in the stalls – the best place to sit!  So please get in touch if you’re interested.

Opera North also run the Bravo Club – if you’re a carer and you might not have had opportunities to enjoy the opera or other live music, you could join this group.  It’s free to join and members enjoy workshops, discussions and special events at both Howard Assembly Rooms and operas at the Grand Theatre.  For more information or to join up contact Madeleine Thorne on 0113 223 3505 or madeleine.thorne@operanorth.com.uk

Helena