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Press
Release issued by Leeds City Council on behalf of Opera North, Leeds
Grand Theatre and Leeds City Council |
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Arts
Council England announces £13.5 National Lottery arts capital
award to create national centre of excellence for Yorkshire
Arts Council England has announced today that it will award a £13.5m
National Lottery arts Capital grant towards the redevelopment of the
Grand Theatre Leeds, home to the award-winning Opera North. The grant
is made to Leeds City Council, which owns the theatre.
The redevelopment will benefit audiences and performers and will include
refurbishment of the stalls, enhanced acoustics and improvements to
disabled access.
Backstage will be fully modernised. This modernisation will include
improved rehearsal rooms, a new, raised scenery flying system and
a deeper orchestra pit with more player space and better access for
scenery and stage equipment.
Sir Christopher Frayling, Chair of Arts Council England said: “I
am delighted that the Arts Council is able to confirm this award.
Opera North is one of our finest opera companies and the Leeds Grand
Theatre is now set to become a national centre for excellence The
award will breathe new life into a very significant arts venue.”
Opera North General Director Richard Mantle said: “Opera North
is one of the country's foremost performing companies and we are overjoyed
to consolidate Leeds as our permanent home. It is absolutely vital
for us to be based in such a vibrant city and we look forward to moving
into our new purpose designed opera centre next year. This project
has been close to our hearts for a long time now and our fundraising
efforts have been given a real boost by this news.
"We are excited at the prospect of this wonderful restoration,
which will be both an inspiration to our artists and a fantastic opportunity
to broaden access to the arts for all in Leeds and across the region."
Councillor Ronnie Feldman, Chairman of the Leeds Grand Theatre said:
“This lottery award is terrific news for Leeds Grand Theatre,
our visiting national and international performers, and our loyal
audiences alike.”
Cllr John Procter, Leeds City Council’s executive member for
Leisure and Chair of the Leeds Cultural Partnership said:
“The Arts Council award is tremendous news and puts the Leeds
Grand Theatre and Opera North firmly at the forefront of national
cultural life. It will breathe new life into one of Yorkshire’s
greatest artistic and entertainment assets and will also create a
national high profile centre for excellence in opera.”
For further information contact: Alex Holdaway in the Arts Council
press office on 020 7973 6459 or ,
or Richard Ashton at Opera North on 0113 223 3526 or
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