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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.
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. / 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. / 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. / Image: Tom Arber
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Sophie Smith -
23rd May 2023 
