Opera North has announced a new season of classical orchestral concerts in Dewsbury and Huddersfield Town Halls as part of its ground-breaking partnership with Kirklees Council.

These will run alongside the lunchtime organ and chamber concert series which together form the 2015/16 Kirklees Concert Season.

This latest season aims to appeal to a younger audience and will feature, in addition to well-loved favourites, afternoon family concerts and lunchtime recitals exploring some of the finest organ music composed. It will also continue the link with Classic FM through themed concerts, ‘Classic FM recommends’ events and presenters hot off the air waves.

The season still offers the great value family offer of bringing all children aged 13 or under to watch any of the concerts in the season for just £1 when accompanied by an adult.

Following on from the success of last year’s family concert The Gruffalo, the Royal Northern Sinfonia invites the families of Kirklees to join the world’s favourite bear on his adventures as he arrives in England from darkest Peru in Paddington Bear’s First Concert (October 25). In this special concert, Paddington arrives in London and goes to his very first concert at the Royal Albert Hall where he hears music by Schubert, Haydn, Rossini and even Astor Piazzolla. Children of all ages are welcome and the concert will be narrated by Classic FM’s John Suchet.

Once again the Orchestra of Opera North presents another festive spectacular in A Joyous Christmas (December 17). This time it will be joined by the combined voices of the Chorus of Opera North, Opera North Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorus.

Paddington
Paddington

The Orchestra of Opera North’s Viennese Whirl (December 30) offers audiences the chance to be swept off their feet and into the New Year with an afternoon of Viennese classics.

This regular season highlight is an ever-popular concert and will be under the baton of local conductor John Rigby. The evening will be presented by John Suchet and will feature soprano Jennifer France.

Following on from hugely popular previous concerts, Classic FM returns to Kirklees with Classic Romance (February 14), a very special Valentine’s Day concert celebrating love in all its aspects – from the thrill of falling into it to the heartbreak of losing it. Conducting and on violin is one of the most prolific musical talents to emerge from Sweden, Tobias Ringborg, and the evening will be presented by Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall.

To close this year’s diverse and exciting season the BBC Philharmonic (March 4) returns to perform a programme of works by three generations of Austro-German masters including Schubert Symphony No.6, Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No.1 and Brahms Symphony No.3.

Phil Boughton Orchestra Director for Opera North said: “‘We are thrilled to be able to continue to bring world class classical music to audiences at Huddersfield and Dewsbury town halls. Given the rich musical heritage of the region it is fitting that Kirklees can welcome internationally renowned conductors and soloists alongside emerging classical music talent.

“This year is of particular significance for Opera North as 2015-16 marks Richard Farnes’ last year as Opera North’s Music Director as he steps down after 12 phenomenal years. We welcome you all to bid him a fond farewell as he conducts a programme of Lutosławski and Mahler at Huddersfield in December. We are enormously proud of this year’s concert season and are keen that this unique partnership can continue to ensure future generations can nurture and grow a love for classical music in Kirklees.”

The Kirklees concert season also includes weekly lunchtime concerts in Huddersfield on Mondays at 1pm and in Dewsbury at 12.30pm. Further information about lunchtime concerts can be found at kirkleestownhalls.co.uk.

Tickets for subscribers are now on sale and tickets for the general public are on sale from July 27.

To book call 01484 223200 or visit kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.