Here’s a glimpse of 80s Classical, a vibrant concert series featuring 1980s pop icons performing alongside the Orchestra of Opera North in Leeds’ Millennium Square—a striking blend of nostalgia and symphonic grandeur.
Concert Concept & Format
Launched in 2019, 80s Classical quickly became a highlight of Leeds’ summer cultural calendar. It brings together legendary 1980s artists—such as Jimmy Somerville, Belinda Carlisle, and Go West—with the majestic 50-piece Orchestra of Opera North for orchestral renditions of classic hits.
Organised as part of the Millennium Square Summer Series, the concert blends live DJ sets, pop classics, and sweeping orchestral arrangements—creating a festive, communal experience that draws both die-hard fans and casual passersby .
Musical Leadership
Cliff Masterson, an accomplished arranger and conductor known for his work with top pop artists, leads the orchestration. His collaboration with producer Steve Anderson ensures that each arrangement stays true to its original soul while introducing symphonic depth.
Artists & Line-Ups
Each season features a rotating roster of iconic performers:
- 2024: Bananarama, Midge Ure, Five Star’s Denise Pearson, backed by the Orchestra of Opera North.
- 2025: Headlined by Kim Wilde, Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals), Go West, and Jaki Graham. Their performances include signature hits like “Kids in America”, “She Drives Me Crazy”, and “Ain’t Nobody”.
- Album Release: A commemorative album, 80s Classical Volume One, features artists Nik Kershaw, Johnny Hates Jazz, and Carol Decker performing with the orchestra – capturing the magic in a studio recording.
The Orchestra of Opera North: A Musical Powerhouse
Historical Foundations
The orchestra began as the English Northern Philharmonia before being renamed during Steven Sloane’s tenure as Music Director, ultimately becoming the Orchestra of Opera North. Opera North itself was founded in 1977 as ENO North, staged its first performance in 1978, and gained independence in 1981.
Artistic Evolution in the 1980s
During the ’80s, the company under founding Music Director David Lloyd-Jones (1978–1990) pushed boundaries with world premieres like Wilfred Josephs’s Rebecca, British premieres of works by Krenek and Strauss, and ventures into American musical theatre with Show Boat.
Conductors such as Elgar Howarth (1985–1988) contributed significantly, leading U.K. premieres and championing neglected operas. Paul Daniel succeeded in 1990, further expanding the company’s repertoire.
Recording Achievements & Community Engagement
Renowned for its recordings—spanning Walton, Delius, Vaughan Williams, Beethoven concertos with Howard Shelley—the orchestra has earned international acclaim.
It is also deeply involved in educational outreach, school programmes, and community concerts, reflecting a mission to broaden access to high-caliber performance beyond the opera stage.
A Cultural Synthesis: Why 80s Classical Works
80s Classical stands out because:
- It bridges pop culture and classical tradition, reimagining familiar hits with orchestral sophistication.
- It showcases the versatility of the Orchestra of Opera North, demonstrating its musical range beyond opera.
- It offers inclusive, dynamic cultural experiences, inviting new audiences into classical music frameworks within a joyful, open-air setting.
By reviving beloved tracks with orchestral depth and featuring iconic performers, the concert series becomes more than entertainment—it’s a celebration of musical heritage, community, and artistic innovation.
Final Reflection
Over the past several summers, 80s Classical with the Orchestra of Opera North has become a beacon of cultural collaboration. It unites chart legends, skilled orchestration, and community spirit in Millennium Square, creating moments where generations converge in music and memory.
For Opera North, this series is not a diversion from its distinguished operatic tradition—rather, it highlights the ensemble’s adaptability and commitment to engagement. Whether through the grand narratives of Wagner or playful reinterpretations of 1980s pop, the Orchestra continues to resonate across time and genres.
NO ONE expected the CONDUCTOR to do this….. (80s Classical)
Kids in America 80s classical in Leeds 26/07/2025
