Designs created by final year BA (Hons) Visual Communication student Jonathan Whittingham will be used in the promotion of Northern Opera Group’s annual Leeds Opera Festival.
The Leeds Opera Festival takes place at venues across Leeds from 23rd- 30th August 2021. This annual event draws audiences from across the UK for a celebration of rare operas, and Leeds Art University students are regularly asked to submit designs for promotional materials for the event.
This time students were asked to celebrate the operas of English composer Gustav Holst, best known for The Planets orchestral suite.
Jonathan’s winning submission drew on key themes from the three operas to be performed at the festival: ‘At the Boar’s Head’, ‘Savitri’ and ‘The Wandering Scholar’; finding unique ways to celebrate these through his work.
Image: Event Facebook Poster designed by BA (Hons) Visual Communication Student, Jonathan Whittingham.
Louise Garner, General Manager from Northern Opera Group said:
'We were drawn to Jonathan's colourful designs and the playful nature of them, which fits in well with our aesthetic. Jonathan had clearly read the brief and understood what we were looking for. We love running this competition each year with the Arts University, it's a definite highlight!"
Jonathan was awarded £500 for his commission and his work can now be seen across the city and online for Leeds Opera Festival 2021.
Image: Event Poster designed by Student, Jonathan Whittingham.
BA (Hons) Visual Communication student, Jonathan said;
“I really enjoyed working on this brief and am grateful for the opportunity to create artwork for Northern Opera Group. For my concept I investigated the stories behind each opera. I conveyed a message that spoke through the operas in a visual format. Each piece is unique and gives a sneak preview of what each performance will be about. This opportunity is a fantastic way for students to work with a real client and gain experience in the industry. I’m really proud to be a part of this project and would encourage other students to take part."
