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Mon 10 Dec 2007
Viva Italia
Leading cultural lights in Leeds are singing the praises of a bold bid to put their shows on the road to Milan.
Marketing chiefs are planning a major event in the Italian city to promote Leed's excellence in fields such as business, education and design.
But they also want it to include performances from cultural heavyweights like Opera North, Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Theatre.
And today all three groups said they could not wait to fly the flag for Yorkshire's unofficial capital at the event provisionally called Leeds Week in Milan.
Opera North's general director Richard Mantle, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We're comitted to strengthening links internationally to help position Leeds as a cultural hub.
"Leeds Week In Milan presents us with the best platform to achieve this."
Mark Skipper, chief executive at Northern Ballet Theatre, said: " We wholeheartedly support the exciting new initiative.
" Lets's hope it will open up the way for new audiences to come to Leeds and experience our home venues."
Pheonix Dance Theatre's executive producer, Paul Crewes, also said he would be delighted to play a part in increasing awareness of "our wonderful city."
Marketing Leeds's chief operating officer, Deborah Green, is aiming to hold the promotional extravaganza in Milan next September or October.
She believes it would cost no more than £500,000 to stage.
Detailed talks are due to get under way shortly with potential funding partners such as Leeds City Council and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.
If all goes according to plan, further 'Leeds Week In ...' events could be held in different locations around the world in years to come.
Yorkshire Evenign Post - 7/11/2007