This autumn, we will return to the stage to present a unique double bill of works by Leonard Bernstein in collaboration with Opera North. This production had been scheduled to tour last autumn, but was postponed due the COVID-19 pandemic.

West Side Story Symphonic Dances/Trouble in Tahiti, marks our second major collaboration with Opera North, following our hugely successful work together on Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring in 2019. Devised and choreographed by our recently appointed Artistic Director Dane Hurst, the new production interprets Bernstein’s thrilling, poignant music outside of the narrative of West Side Story. It will play in a double bill with a revival of Bernstein’s short opera Trouble in Tahiti, directed by Matthew Eberhardt. Principal Guest Conductor Antony Hermus will conduct both productions.

Bernstein himself arranged the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story as a work to stand on its own terms, free of the story of the show from which the music is derived. This new dance work explores the experience of young people through themes of group identity and family, conflict and violence. The production will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on Sat 16 Oct, before touring to Theatre Royal Newcastle, The Lowry, and Theatre Royal Nottingham.

Tickets for performances will be on sale from June, with audience capacities following the most up-to-date government guidelines. We will continue to work closely with partner venues to ensure the safety and comfort of all audience members, staff and performers. Click here to see the full list of dates for this tour.