Opera North is set to name its redeveloped headquarters after a Yorkshire businessman who provided more than £11m to support the project.
The Howard Opera Centre will take on the new name in recognition of the philanthropic gift of £11.25m towards the Music Works project from Dr Keith Howard OBE, president of Opera North and founder of Emerald Publishing.
It is thought to be among the largest private donations ever made to a UK arts company outside of London.
The Howard Opera Centre will contain Opera North's rehearsal studios, costume and wigs workshop, and administrative offices. The redevelopment project aims to create a world-class facility to make opera; a new Education Studio and additional rehearsal spaces, including a new rehearsal room for the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North and a suite of music coaching rooms. Henry Boot Construction began work on site in summer 2019.
The overall target for the Music Works fundraising campaign is £18m and Opera North has so far raised £15.6m.
Richard Mantle, general director at Opera North, said: "Opera North is delighted to be able to recognise the extraordinary generosity of our longstanding supporter and friend, Dr Keith Howard, whose contribution to this project means that we are able to create a new artistic home for the company, as well as improving the infrastructure, access and visitor experience for the Howard Assembly Room.
"The Howard Opera Centre will be a true centre of excellence, bringing together rehearsal spaces for world class opera productions with coaching rooms where singers can develop their vocal expertise, and specialist costume workshop spaces. A new hub for our education work will create an inclusive space for our work with young people from across the city, bringing children and young people right to the heart of our creative community."
