UK's Orchestra of Opera North Appoints New Leader

Canadian violinist Katie Stillman will step into the role

The orchestra of the Leeds-based Opera North recently announced that it has appointed a new Leader in Canadian violinist Katie Stillman. She will step into the position in August 2024.

Stillman has extensive experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. She is presently the first violinist of the Villiers Quartet, one of the UK's foremost chamber ensembles. In addition, she was a founder member of the Barbirolli Quartet, which appeared across Europe in festivals such as Aix-en-Provence, Verbier, and Aldeburgh.

In the orchestral realm, she has recently directed performances at the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Manchester Camerata, and Northern Chamber Orchestra, as well as being a guest leader with Opera North for several productions.

As recitalists, Stillman and her duo partner Simon Lane have been recipients of the Tillett Trust Young Artist Platform and Park Lane Group Young Artists’ New Year Series, and they have performed in venues including the Wigmore Hall, the Purcell Room, Bridgewater Hall, and St. John’s Smith Square.

Stillman has taught at Chetham’s School of Music and her alma mater, the Royal Northern College of Music.

"I’m thrilled to be joining Opera North as Leader," Stillman said. "Over the past few years, I have been excited by the energy, imagination and musicianship of the amazing players, singers and conductors in this Company. The versatility of the orchestra, ranging from its incredible concerts on the stage, in the pit, in schools and for families is remarkable, and I can’t wait to get to know the audiences."

"I was given my first orchestral work with Opera North when I was a student in Manchester, so it feels wonderful to now be involved in its future," she continued. "Highlights for my first season will be Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as Mozart’s The Magic Flute — one of my absolute favorites as a child!"

"I’m thrilled that Katie will be joining us as Orchestra Leader following David Greed’s decision to step back after over 40 years with the company," said Laura Canning, the General Director of Opera North. "Katie’s passion for music is second to none and, during her stints as guest leader, we have been consistently impressed by her unparalleled commitment both to her own music-making and to enabling others to perform at their best."

"As our orchestral players prepare to tackle a new production of My Fair Lady at Leeds Playhouse this spring, followed by a busy season of opera and classical music performances in Leeds and on tour, we are all delighted to welcome Katie to her new role."