Life at Westward Care

Opera North - A Whistle Stop Opera 

Opera North, England’s Leeds-based national opera company and one of Europe’s leading arts organisations visits all of our locations with their Whistle Stop Opera. The shortened version takes bite-size versions of popular operas out into the community, giving people a chance to experience a live performance up close. 

Jacqui Cameron, Opera North Education Director, said: “Whistle Stop Opera is a fantastic way of introducing people to the power of opera in a relaxed, informal setting. We had a wonderful time particularly performing this version of Don Giovanni at Headingley Hall and entertaining the residents there with its lively blend of fast-paced drama and spine-tingling music and can't wait to return.”

The Whistle Stop Opera is the latest in a programme of successful partnership working between Opera North and Westward Care. Vocal delivery artists and accompanists from Opera North visit Westward Care facilities on a regular basis to run singing workshops for clients across Leeds. These give clients an opportunity to hone their musical skills while experiencing the pleasure of singing as part of a group.

"We’re thrilled to be able to offer all of our residents this unique and rich Whistle Stop Opera experience. We love to bring cultural and artistic experiences into our locations for our residents to enjoy.” Peter Hodkinson, Managing Director of Westward Care