A Christmas Carol
Chorus of Opera North
- Date night
- Great for groups
- Under 90 mins
- Early finish
- Date
- Fri, 18 Dec 2026
- Time
- 19:00 · 1h 15m
- Venue
- Howard Assembly Room
- City
- Leeds
- Conductor
- Garry Walker
- Tickets
- from £27.5
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
Garry Walker conducts the Chorus of Opera North in a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Howard Assembly Room.
Why it's fantastic
Experience Dickens’ seasonal ghost story through a haunting sequence of carols and folk songs performed by these world-class operatic voices. At just over an hour long, it offers a sophisticated way to embrace the winter chill before heading back out into the bright lights of the city.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
We are invited to experience a familiar Victorian narrative through a distinctive musical lens. The evening centres on the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, but rather than a traditional theatrical staging, the story unfolds through a curated sequence of choral music. You will hear a blend of traditional carols and folk melodies that trace the character’s journey from isolation to redemption. The musical texture is designed to mirror the cold, ethereal atmosphere of the ghostly visitations, gradually shifting towards warmer, more celebratory harmonies as the narrative reaches its conclusion. Listen for the way the voices navigate the tension between the chilling winter setting and the eventual festive spirit. With no interval, the sequence maintains a steady emotional momentum, using the specific resonance of the human voice to illustrate the psychological transformation at the heart of the story. It is a contemplative way to engage with the season, focusing on the evocative power of song.
Who's performing
Garry Walker leads the Chorus of Opera North for this production. The ensemble is celebrated as one of the few full-time professional choruses in the country, based in Leeds and frequently heard in major operatic works throughout the North of England. While they are known for their power in large-scale operas, this setting allows you to hear their versatility in a more intimate choral context. Garry Walker brings his extensive experience as a conductor to shape the vocal dynamics and narrative flow, ensuring the ensemble's characteristic precision and warmth are at the forefront of the performance.
Planning your evening
This performance takes place at the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds. With a running time of approximately 75 minutes and no interval, it is an ideal choice if you prefer a shorter evening or are looking for a focused introduction to operatic voices. The setting is indoors and seating is provided. Given the duration and the accessible nature of the storytelling, it suits those who enjoy a concise, atmospheric programme. There is no specific dress code for the venue, though many guests opt for smart-casual attire for an evening event in the city centre.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
