Press Release

10 May 2017

OPERA NORTH’S RING SCOOPS TWO RPS AWARDS

Opera North’s critically-acclaimedconcert staging of Wagner’sDer Ring des Nibelungenwontwo accolades at last night’s prestigious RPS Music Awards. The production topped the Opera and Music Theatre category, while Richard Farnes, who conducted the Ring cycleperformances, was presented with the Conductor award.

The annual Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Music Awards, presented in association with BBC Radio 3, are the highest recognition for live classical music in the UK. Awards, in thirteen categories, honour the outstanding achievements of musicians, composers, writers, broadcasters and inspirational arts organisations during the preceding year. They are decided by independent panels comprising some of the music industry’s most distinguished practitioners.

The Opera and Music Theatre award was presented to Opera Northfor thesix full cycles of Wagner’s 15-hour masterpiecewhich the Company performedin venues across England during 2016, including Leeds Town Hall, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, The Lowry at Salford Quays, Southbank London and Sage Gateshead.In the Company’s pared-back version, the dramatic power of the music was placed right at the heart of the production with the 100-piece Orchestra of Opera North on stage and the singers addressing the audience directly. Minimal costumes and lighting were used to enhance the performances, while a triptych of screens provided subtle visuals and text.

The Ringalso saw conductorRichard Farnes become a leading interpreter of Wagner's epic scores. He conducted all six cycles, in a series of performances which marked the end of his 12-year tenure as Opera North’s music director.

Richard Mantle, General Director, Opera Northwho, together with Richard Farnes, collected the awards at the ceremony said:

“We are delighted and honoured that our performances of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungenhave been recognised by the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. When we set out on our Ring journey, we had no idea that our concept for performing the work, in a way that places the drama of the music centre stage, would captivate audiences so completely.

“There is no doubt in my mind that, in Richard Farnes, we discovered one of the great Wagner conducting talents of our time; under his inspiring leadership this Ring proved to be an unforgettable experience for artists and audiences alike.”

All fourRing cycle operas - Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung - performed by Opera North and conducted by Richard Farnes can currently be viewed on the BBC i-player and at BBC Arts Online.

Details of the RPS Music Awards including a full list of winners can be found at A special programme dedicated to the awards will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 7.30pm on Sunday 14 May.

/ENDS

For further information and photographs, please contact:

Julia O’Sullivan, Head of Communications

0113 223 3526 | julia.o’

Elizabeth Simmonds, Press Officer

0113 213 5641|

Rowland Thomas, Press Officer

0113 223 3528|