Choir member Martha will soon be taking part in the Opera North production of Puccini’s La bohème, which tours Leeds, Newcastle, Salford and Nottingham this Autumn.
Martha will appear in the second act of the production as part of the children’s chorus, building on her work in Opera North’s Youth Company, where she successfully auditioned following a call-out to their members.
“I’m looking forward to the experience and learning new things,” Martha told us as she prepared to sing on the final day of this year’s choir term.
Becky, Martha’s mother, told us how delighted she is about this opportunity. “It’s absolutely amazing; we’re thrilled! It’s lovely to see how she’s developed and moved on from doing things at Bradford Cathedral and moving into Opera North.”
Martha is keen to do more productions like this in the future. There was just time to get her reflections on her time in the choir in 2024-25. “I’ve enjoyed all the recordings, and those experiences.”
And, finally, to Becky, we asked what Martha’s time has been like at Bradford Cathedral. “It’s been a very positive experience. It’s been amazing to see the whole choir flourish and grow, and see Martha develop through all the opportunities she’s had.”
La bohème tells the story of struggling poet Rodolfo meeting Mimì, a quiet seamstress who lives upstairs, and how it’s love at first sight. But life isn’t easy when it’s freezing outside and the only fuel for the fire is a page from your latest poem. With empty pockets but full hearts, will their love be enough to see them through?
You can find out more about the production – and book your tickets – at https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/la-boheme/, and to discover more about becoming part of the Bradford Cathedral Choir, go to http://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/join-the-choir