In this episode, violinist Byron Parish recalls how he got into classical music and shares his motivation to inspire the next generation of musicians. Byron has been a member of the Orchestra of Opera North since 2015 and will feature as soloist in Walton's violin concerto alongside the Opera North Youth Orchestra in December 2022.

Musical excerpt: 'Te Deum!' from Tosca

In this episode, Textile Artist Natalie Needham tells us about her work as part of the costume department at Opera North. She also introduces Stitch Away the Stigma, a creative art programme she created to support anyone who loves or cares for someone with an alcohol/ drug use disorder or gambling addiction.

Musical excerpt: 'Papagena!' from The Magic Flute

To open the second season of Artistic Futures, Manoj Kamps recalls their first musical encounters, growing up in Sri Lanka, and speaks openly about the challenges of being a queer conductor.

Musical excerpt: 'Brindisi' from La traviata.

In this episode, Anna Pool tells us about all the different aspects of her work. As director, composer, writer and performer, she reflects on what drives her creations and shares advice for those particularly interested developing multi-disciplinary artististic careers.

Musical excerpt: ‘Da tempeste il legno infranto’ (Cleopatra) from Handel’s Gulio Cesare sung by Lucie Chartin.

In this episode, Opera North Musical Director Garry Walker tells us about the challenges and rewards of being a conductor. He also reflects on the role music plays in society and shares useful tips.

Musical excerpt: Rigoletto ACT II Duet (Rigoletto, Gilda) sung by Eric Greene and Jasmine Habersham.

In this episode, Opera North Youth Chorus Master and organist Nicholas Shaw recounts how he started his career as a church musician before finding renewed inspiration working with young people and immersing himself in the world of opera. He shares precious advice for young performers too.

Musical excerpt: ‘In Carmine Doloris’ from the opera Jephte by Giacomo Carissimi (1605-1674), reworked by James Batty.

In this episode, Syrian composer and Qanun player Maya Youssef introduces us to her beautiful instrument, shares her musical journey and tells us how she started composing. She also reflects on how music can be a powerful tool to bring about peace and create empathy.

Musical excerpt: Silver Lining composed and performed by Maya Youssef as part of the Walking Home project.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Syrian composer and qanun player Maya Youssef.

In this episode, Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie tells us how he got into classical music and shares his passion for education. Young instrumentalists interested in pursuing a career will also find plenty of useful tips!

Musical excerpt: ‘Prelude’ (Act 1) from Rigoletto played by the Orchestra of Opera North.

Don't miss this new episode of Artistic Futures with Opera North Principal Bassoon Adam MacKenzie.