Opera North receives GBP1m donation

Opera North has received a donation of GBP1m (€1.14m) toward its new Music Works redevelopment project. The donation comes from the The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation (LTBF).

Music Works will see Opera North’s central Leeds building completely overhauled. A new education studio will be added, with extra rehearsal rooms and performance spaces. There will also be a new public entrance to the Howard Assembly Room.

Said Opera North general director Richard Mantle: “Music Works would not be possible without the generous support Opera North has received from donors such as LTBF, whose pledge will enable us to create a truly welcoming and accessible building with new public spaces, greatly improved facilities for audiences, artists and participants, and more live music events in the heart of the city.”

Added Terry Bramall: “We look forward to seeing the diverse programme of music and events in the Howard Assembly Room extend and grow, as well as the development of a purpose-built education studio, which will create a real hub for young people in the city to develop skills in music and the arts.”

LTBF are not the only ones being generous: Opera North has also received major gifts from Maureen Pettman, The Wolfson Foundation, Backstage Trust and a number of its other regular donors. It is now launching a public funding campaign to finance the rest of the GBP3.5m cost.

operanorth.co.uk