Lesley Garrett to perform at Opera in the Park event

The internationally-renowned soprano will be the headline performer at the annual outdoor picnic-style concert which takes place on the evening of Saturday, July 21.

She will join American opera sensation Noah Stewart who has already been confirmed for the event, together with renowned baritone David Kemptser who also performed at last year’s event.

Set in the surroundings of Temple Newsam Estate, Opera in the Park is one of the highlight events of the year in Leeds, featuring music arranged and performed by the universally-acclaimed Orchestra of Opera North and concluding with a fantastic firework finale.

Ms Garrett - who was born in Doncaster - is one of the biggest opera stars in the world, having produced 14 solo CDs and releasing her latest album, A North Country Lass, in April.

Leeds Council’s executive member for leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said: “Attracting an artist of the calibre of Lesley Garrett to appear at Opera in the Park, together with Noah Stewart, means it will be a fantastic night at Temple Newsam.”

The Opera in the Park event used to be free, but last year Leeds Council said “extreme budget pressures” had meant it needed to charge an entrance fee. Tickets for this year’s event are now available priced at £7.50 for LEEDSCard holders, £6.50 for LEEDSCard Extra holders and £5 for Breezecard holders. General admission is £10 or £35 for four tickets for small group bookings.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.leeds.gov.uk/opera or in person or by telephone from City Centre Box Office in The Carriageworks on Millennium Square on 0113 224 3801, and Leeds Visitor Centre at Leeds Train Station on 0113 242 5242.

Tickets are also available from the visitor shop in the courtyard at Temple Newsam and from the box office at Leeds Grand Theatre. A special discounted ticket package for those wishing to attend both Opera in the Park and the popular Classical Fantasia event at Kirkstall Abbey on Saturday, September 1, are also available to purchase this year from the City Centre Box Office or Leeds Visitor Centre only.