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Requiem: a reimagining of Mozart’s masterpiece is coming to Leeds this week

Conceived during the pandemic and brought to the stage for LEEDS2023, Opera North's Requiem pairs Mozart’s mysterious, timeless work with a brand-new composition from South African composer Neo Muyanga.  

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 23rd May 2023

Leeds' own Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre have collaborated with South African partners Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera on Requiem, a powerful double bill of contemporary dance performed to choral and orchestral music.


If you've been looking for an excuse to get yourself down to Leeds Grand Theatre and immersed in a passionate, transformative live experience, this is the perfect chance.


Mozart’s famous Requiem actually features (if legend is to be believed) the last eight bars of music he ever wrote – fittingly for a composition that takes its name from the prayer, ‘Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine’: ‘Grant them eternal rest, Lord’. 

Vuyelwa Phota from Jazzart Dance Theatre in rehearsal for Requiem.
Vuyelwa Phota from Jazzart Dance Theatre in rehearsal for Requiem. / Image: Tom Arber


Over the 200 years since then, the Requiem has become its own genre. Huge names like Andrew Lloyd Webber have created their own versions, responding to the needs of each generation to think about and commemorate life and death.


Conceived during the pandemic and brought to the stage for LEEDS2023, Opera North's Requiem pairs Mozart’s mysterious, timeless work with a brand-new composition from South African composer Neo Muyanga.  


Inspired by a recent custom in his country of gathering to celebrate the life of the deceased with loud, vibrant dance music, After Tears: After a Requiem is full of the colour and rhythms of the townships: a joyous, extroverted complement to Mozart’s work of remembrance. Neo calls it “a cleansing ceremony… a rallying call for individuals to work collectively, with empathy, to rebuild after a period of distress and loss”.

Choreographer Dane Hurst works with the Chorus of Opera North in rehearsal for Requiem.
Choreographer Dane Hurst works with the Chorus of Opera North in rehearsal for Requiem. / Image: Tom Arber


Both pieces feature the might of the full Orchestra of Opera North in the pit and – onstage among the dancers – the 36 singers of the Chorus of Opera North. Dane Hurst, who choreographed both works, explains that he “tried to see how the body could convey the enormity of loss, grief and sadness felt and experienced by millions of people who have lost those dearest to them."

Whether you're familiar with music and dance or looking for an introduction to both art forms from world-class companies from Leeds and across the globe, Requiem's combination of movement, music and collective emotion promises a unique experience that’s unlikely to be repeated any time soon. 

The full performance schedule is as followed:

Friday 26 May 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)

Tuesday 30 May 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)

Thursday 1 June 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)

Saturday 3 June 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)

Sunday 4 June 2023 from 2.30pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)

How to get tickets

Ticket prices range from just £10, with a host of exciting offers to explore.

If you're aged 16-20 can access completely free tickets and the Under 30 Membership gives you discounted rate for £10 tickets. 

Opera North’s Try It ON scheme is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of opera – and gives you two fantastic seats for Requiem, along with a tote bag filled with goodies and exclusive offers, it's ideal for first timers to test out the wonderful world of opera.

Hannah McGlashon from Phoenix and Abigail Overmeyer from Jazzart in rehearsal for Requiem.
Hannah McGlashon from Phoenix and Abigail Overmeyer from Jazzart in rehearsal for Requiem. / Image: Tom Arber

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For more information about Requiem, including how to buy tickets, visit the Opera North website here.

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Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.

If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.

Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.

And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.

The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.

Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo

There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.

Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.

The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!

To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.

You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.

Read more:

Featured image - Leeds Tattoo Expo

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Mumford & Sons add new Leeds show at the First Direct Arena to sell out UK tour

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Two new arena dates have been added to their forthcoming UK tour, after selling out the entire run within two hours.

Ahead of dropping their fifth studio LP Rushmere at the end of the month, the cult favourite folk-rock outfit announced a brand-new European tour in support of the record, including a limited UK leg.

The now sold-out arena run starts in Europe in November before now arriving in
Leeds on Sunday 30 November.

The significance of the band’s return can be found in the title of the new album, as Rushmereis the spot where it all began for the boys: a pond located on Wimbledon Common in south-west London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first hung out.

However, the multi-award-winning acoustic-driven British rockers and folk revivalists are now a trio following the departure of Winston Marshall, who quit the band back in 2021 following controversies surrounding his right-wing beliefs. 

Image: Supplied

With that in mind, it’s rather fitting that they have insisted that beyond just a place and a title, Rushmere is alsothe beginning of a new phase.

Following an intense period of creativity, the project was produced by fellow nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb and recorded at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and back home at Marcus’ studio in Devon.

The album itself drops on this Friday 28 March and judging by the little that we’ve heard so far, they’ve been well worth the wait.

As for the arena show, tickets will go on sale this Thursday 27 March at 10am.

Best of all, they’re donating £1 from every ticket sold straight to War Child UK – this sort of stuff should be standard for any big act as far as we’re concerned.

You can get ready to grab yours here.

Read more: JLS announce massive UK tour including Leeds gig

Featured image - Supplied

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