Opera North offers Pay What You Can Concert for all ages

This month brings some of the most well-known and best-loved music into the centre of Leeds as Opera North performs Classics in the Square, a celebration of Leeds 400 and the latest addition to the summer series being held by Leeds City Council in Millennium Square.

Supported by the Laidlaw Opera Trust, the pay what you can event on Sunday 28 June has been designed to give people the chance to hear their favourite tunes played live by a full 60-piece orchestra. From some of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time, including Star Wars, Superman and Jurassic Park, to the big-hitters of the classical music world – and with a few surprises along the way – the evening has been designed to appeal to everyone, whether they are keen concert-goers or have never attended a classical music event before. A social media poll is running until 12pm on Monday 8 June to give people the chance to vote for their favourite piece, with the orchestra promising to play the winning track on the day.

Garry Walker, Musical Director of Opera North, said: “This is an opportunity for the people of Leeds to hear the amazing sound of 60 musicians playing live at a price which suits them. Whether our orchestra is performing a TV or film soundtrack or some instantly recognisable classical music, we promise it will be a truly memorable experience.

“Our talented Youth Chorus will be taking to the stage during the evening and we’re including the Leeds United anthem ‘Marching on Together,’ as well as a medley from our upcoming musical The Sound of Music, so there really will be something for all the family to enjoy. What better way could there be to mark Leeds 400 than celebrating music in this way in the heart of the city?”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “It’s wonderful that people will have this unique chance to enjoy the talents of Opera North as they bring some of the most iconic pieces of music ever written to life at the heart of the city centre while together we celebrate what is a landmark year for the city.

“Millennium Square is a fantastic place to enjoy live music and we’re always proud to welcome such an eclectic and exciting programme of performers to the square every year and to see audiences enjoy an unforgettable experience.”Doors open at 6.30pm with the concert due to start at 7.30pm. The event follows hot on the heels of Club Classical Ibiza on Friday 26 June and 80s Classical on Saturday 27 June, both featuring the Orchestra of Opera North.

Classics in the Square comes to Millennium Square, Leeds Sunday 28 June. Tickets are available here.