Opera North is a national opera company based in Leeds and one of the UK’s leading arts organisations. Rooted in the North of England and international in outlook, it creates extraordinary experiences every day, using music and opera to entertain, engage, challenge and inspire. Opera North provide free, high-quality music education for more than 3,300 children from low-income households each week, helping ensure that opera and music are for everyone. Its award‑winning work tours extensively to theatres and concert halls across the North and beyond, including London and major international festivals, alongside an eclectic programme which runs in the Howard Assembly Room, comprising gigs, concerts, spoken word and film. Opera North is committed to making bold, innovative and ambitious work, to championing diversity in artists, repertoire and audiences, and to ensuring that opera and music are for everyone.

Opera North is now seeking to appoint a new Chair to provide strategic leadership and to ensure the charity is governed effectively in line with its vision, purpose and charitable objects. Working closely with the General Director, the Chair will offer advice, support and constructive challenge, act as a senior ambassador for Opera North with key stakeholders, funders and partners, and lead the Board in setting strategic direction, oversee governance and Board effectiveness. The successful candidate will bring senior leadership or chairing experience, ideally in the arts or charitable sectors, an inclusive and diplomatic style, strong communication skills and sound business judgement. A knowledge of, and affinity for, opera and Opera North’s mission, alongside an understanding of the UK arts funding landscape, philanthropy and stakeholder relations, will be important, as will a willingness to commit time and energy to this highly visible and influential role.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Opera North on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference EBZOA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 29 May.