AN EXTRAORDINARY journey comes full circle in 2016 as Opera North presents full performances of its Ring Cycle.

The company has been performing sell-out excerpts from Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen during the past few years.

Next year it plans to present the six full cycles of the operas, which make up Wagner’s marathon four-part masterpiece. Das Rheingold, Die Walkure, Siegfried and Gotterdammerung will be performed at Leeds Town Hall between April 23 and May 24.

Opera North’s music director, Richard Farnes, will conduct all six cycles, ending his 12-year tenure at the Leeds-based company.

Opera North said the dramatic power of the music takes centre stage in the productions, with minimal costumes, lighting to enhance the performances and multiple screens to provide subtle visuals and text.

A spokesman said: “This compelling format places the 100-piece orchestra on stage with the singers addressing the audience directly, to thrilling effect.”

Visit theringcycle.co.uk for more information.