Caption: Yorkshire favourite Lesley Garrett will be performing at this year's Opera in the Park
Yorkshire’s-own opera superstar Lesley Garrett has been announced as the further star name to appear at this year’s Opera in the Park at Temple Newsam.
Internationally-renowned soprano Lesley Garrett CBE will be the headline performer at the annual outdoor picnic-style concert which takes place on the evening of Saturday 21 July.
She will join American opera sensation Noah Stewart who has already been confirmed for the event, together with renowned baritone David Kemptser who also performed at last year's event.
Organiser Leeds City Council has also announced an exciting new partnership for this year’s Opera in the Park. The UK’s biggest classical music radio station, Classic FM, is the media partner of the event, forming part of their special 20th birthday celebrations in 2012.
Set in the stunning surroundings of Temple Newsam Estate, Opera in the Park is one of the highlight events of the year in Leeds, featuring music arranged and performed by the universally-acclaimed Orchestra of Opera North and concluding with a fantastic firework finale.
Headline performer Lesley Garrett is one of the biggest opera stars in the world, having produced 14 solo CDs and releasing her latest album ‘A North Country Lass’ in April.
Tickets for this year’s Opera in the Park are now available priced at £7.50 for LEEDSCard holders, £6.50 for LEEDSCard Extra holders and £5 for Breezecard holders. General admission is £10 or £35 for four tickets for small group bookings of family/friends.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.leeds.gov.uk/opera or in person or by telephone from City Centre Box Office in The Carriageworks on Millennium Square (0113 224 3801) and Leeds Visitor Centre at Leeds Train Station (0113 242 5242). Tickets are also available from the visitor shop in the courtyard at Temple Newsam and from Leeds Grand Theatre box office.
A special discounted ticket package for those wishing to attend both Opera in the Park and the popular Classical Fantasia event at Kirkstall Abbey on Saturday 1st September are also available to purchase this year from the City Centre Box Office or Leeds Visitor Centre only.
Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:
“Attracting an artist of the calibre of Lesley Garrett to appear at Opera in the Park, together with Noah Stewart, means it will be a fantastic night at Temple Newsam.
“Add in the exciting new partnership with Classic FM and this year’s Opera in the Park has all the makings of being the best ever.”
For further information on Opera in the Park visit www.leeds.gov.uk/opera or contact Leeds City Council’s events team on 0113 395 0891 or email events@leeds.gov.uk
Note to editors:
The LEEDSCard scheme is open to anyone aged 19-59 in Leeds on an annual membership and offers discounts and exclusive offers across the city all-year round at leisure facilities, events, shops, museums, theatres and restaurants. For more information on how to get a LEEDSCard visit www.leeds.gov.uk/leedscard or call 0113 224 3636. Breezecard is FREE for persons under 19 and for further information visit www.breezeleeds.org
A booking/transaction fee will apply to bookings made online or by telephone.
Classic FM
Celebrating its 20th Birthday this year, Global Radio-owned Classic FM attracts an audience of over 5.4 million people each week, confirming its position as the UK's biggest classical music radio station. Programmes are hosted by a diverse range of broadcasters and musicians including John Suchet, Alan Titchmarsh, Myleene Klass, Alex James, Margherita Taylor and Nicholas Owen. Since its launch, Classic FM has aimed to break down the barriers to classical music and in so doing, introduce an entirely new audience to the genre. The station seeks constantly to expand its listener base through groundbreaking new audience initiatives and partnerships. Classic FM is available across the UK on 100 - 102 FM, digital and online at classicfm.com
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Roger Boyde, Senior communications officer,
Leeds City Council, Tel 0113 247 5472
Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk
