The Queens Hotel Leeds surprised shoppers and commuters on Friday 15th May 2026 by hosting two unannounced pop-up performances of The Hills Are Alive from the hotel’s famous exterior balcony.
Leading soprano Katie Bird, who is starring as Maria in Opera North’s upcoming summer production of The Sound of Music, performed the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic live to crowds gathering in City Square below. The musical preview marks a collaboration between the landmark Leeds hotel and the northern opera company ahead of the show’s arrival at Leeds Grand Theatre, where it will run from 9th July to 1st August 2026.
The upcoming summer staging is based on the acclaimed Curve Leicester production that debuted at the end of 2025, and will feature the full Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North under the direction of Nikolai Foster.
Bob Fairweather, General Manager at The Queens Hotel, said:
“The Queens has always been at the heart of Leeds city life and this was a truly magical moment for the hotel and for the city. To have such an exceptional talent as Katie Bird perform from our balcony, with City Square as her stage, was really special. We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with Opera North.”
Laura Canning, General Director at Opera North, added:
“We hope Katie’s performance from The Queens’ balcony will inspire even more people to come and join us for what promises to be a must-see show this summer.”
