Sagars, an AAB Group company, with a rich history of supporting clients in Leeds, is to build on its partnership with leading Leeds-based arts organisation Opera North by continuing as a Corporate Member for the coming year.
Since 2017, Sagars has partnered with Opera North to explore how increased arts participation can be used to drive societal impact, supporting the company’s work with groups who would otherwise encounter barriers to engaging with music, drama and live performance. Alongside this, being a Corporate Member has given Sagars the opportunity to celebrate opera with both its team members and clients by attending performances and backstage tours and running a bespoke workshop session which looked at how individuals can utilise techniques acquired during singing training to build confidence and presence in business settings.
Looking ahead, the two companies will explore more opportunities for engaging people with music and performance in person and digitally, with Sagars also planning to take advantage of the facilities offered by the Howard Opera Centre, Opera North’s home in the heart of the city.
Chris Jones, Partner at Sagars, said:
“Opera North is inspiring generations, championing diversity, and enhancing health and wellbeing across communities. We share a passion for continuing this innovative, impactful work, which is why Sagars remains a committed, and very proud, Corporate Member. That and our mutual desire to present the very best of what the North has to offer locally, nationally and internationally.”
Opera North is a major player in the Leeds economy having recently completed an ambitious £18 million redevelopment project, creating an artistic powerhouse on Harrison Street for both its employees and the local community. Through its partnership schemes, it aims to build increasingly strong connections with business leaders across the region who value the role the arts play in enriching life in the North of England and who are keen to further Yorkshire’s vast cultural, social, and economic potential.
Richard Mantle, Opera North’s General Director, said:
“Sagars’ support has already enabled us to reach over 3,400 participants across the region and online, using music and opera to entertain, engage, challenge and inspire. We believe opera is for everyone, regardless of their age, circumstances or background, and are always looking for new ways to share our work more widely. We very much value the support of our Corporate Members who work collaboratively with us to help achieve these aims and are delighted that Sagars have decided to continue their relationship with us.”
Opera North works closely with its Corporate Members to create bespoke partnerships that meet the specific needs of each business and provide an excellent return on investment. In addition to tickets to all the company’s opera performances and the opportunity to attend concerts and events in the Howard Assembly Room, this can include engagement with the company’s education and community outreach work, backstage tours, employee workshops with Opera North’s creative team, special receptions, networking events, and private performances.
