SEASON 2016 | 17
A huge thank you to all our business sponsors and corporate members: Principal Sponsor
Thanks also to our corporate donors and in-kind sponsors: Barrhead Travel, Bibendum Wine Ltd, La Bonne Auberge, Cameron Presentations, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers and 21 Colour.
Scottish Opera
SEASON 2016|17
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1. Aberdeen 2. Ardross 3. Banchory 4. Bathgate 5. Brodick 6. Drumnadrochit 7. Dumfries 8. Durness 9. Easterhouse 10. Edinburgh 11. Elgin 12. Ellon 13. Fraserburgh 14. Gairloch 15. Galashiels 16. Glasgow 17. Glenrothes 18. Greenock 19. Inverness 20. Killin 21. Kilmarnock 22. Kirkcudbright 23. Lanark 24. Langholm 25. Maybole 26. Motherwell 27. Musselburgh 28. Nairn 29. Newton Stewart 30. Oban 31. Perth 32. Stirling 33. Stornoway 34. Strathmiglo 35. Strontian 36. Thurso 37. Ullapool
We pride ourselves in taking opera the length and breadth of Scotland – travelling by land, air and sea to highlands, lowlands, cities and islands, from the smallest village halls to theatres, community centres and everything in between. We couldn’t do this without support from all sorts of people and organisations, who give what they can to keep us doing what we do best.
Thank you, each and every one of you. 1
Welcome to Scottish Opera’s 2016 | 17 Season This is our first season announcement since Stuart Stratford took up post as Music Director, and we are both delighted to bring you a rich and diverse range of performances. We proudly present seven fully staged productions, four operas in concert and performances in 37 venues across Scotland. This Season builds on the successes of the past and looks strongly to the future, both developing existing relationships and forging exciting, new partnerships. We welcome back outstanding directors – Sir Thomas Allen with a revival of his Marriage of Figaro, Sir David McVicar with his first Pelléas and Mélisande, and the team of Renaud Doucet and André Barbe, who create a new 1920s-inspired La bohème – and many wonderful musicians including Karen Cargill, Donald Maxwell, Tobias Ringborg and Sian Edwards. Creating new work for the 21st century remains to the fore with the Scottish premiere of Philip Glass’s The Trial, and the remarkable theatre-maker Matthew Lenton makes his opera debut directing Bluebeard’s Castle and a new companion piece – The 8th Door – which he is creating with our Composer in Residence Lliam Paterson. We take our dedication to developing new work a step further this year with Opera Sparks, a competition for young composers and librettists to write for our Connect Company. Three winning teams will each create a 15-minute opera to be performed as part of the Year of Young People 2018. Following the sell-out success of previous years’ operas in concert and the popularity of our Sunday afternoon concerts, we are thrilled to complement our staged productions this Season with a second Sunday Series – this year featuring four operas in concert. Curated by Stuart Stratford, they are all early and rarely performed works by some of the masters of operatic writing. All that we do simply would not be possible without the loyalty and enthusiasm of our audiences, the generosity of our supporters and the much-valued funding we receive from the Scottish Government – we extend heartfelt thanks to you all.
ELIXIR
OPERAS IN CONCERT
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Stuart Stratford Music Director
Alex Reedijk General Director
DON’T MISS OUT – SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE! Save up to £65 • Book for the four operas in our Subscription Series at either Theatre Royal Glasgow or Festival Theatre Edinburgh and save up to £65. • Book for The Marriage of Figaro and La bohème at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen or Eden Court, Inverness and save up to £18.
Get further discounts This year, subscribers can save even more by booking in advance for The Trial in Glasgow or Edinburgh – simply book with your subscription for an exclusive discount. You can also save up to £25 if you book for all four of this Season’s operas in concert in The Sunday Series.
Secure the best seats in the house Book your tickets in advance of general public sales and secure some of the best seats available. Subscribers are the first to receive new season information and have a priority booking period before tickets go on general sale.
Spread the cost Buy your subscription before 11 July 2016 and you can spread the cost by paying by Direct Debit over 6 months.
Free seat upgrades If an upgrade is available on the day of performance, we will exchange your ticket for a better one.* Ask at the box office counter 1 hour before the start of a performance until 30 minutes before curtain up.
Free ticket exchanges Don’t worry if a date you have picked no longer suits. As long as we have a seat available in the venue for which you originally booked, you can exchange your tickets up to 24 hours before a performance. If your replacement tickets are of a higher value, we will let you know the cost. For further information, please contact your local box office.
*Please note upgrades are subject to availability. If a seat in a higher price band is not available, we will not be able to offer you an upgrade.
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Subscription 16 | 17
Revival of the 2010 production
Mozart’s
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Sir Thomas Allen revives his much-loved production of Mozart’s unstoppable masterpiece. Reflecting the insight and experience of a seasoned performer, Allen’s Figaro is full of humour, subtlety and wit. Simon Higlett’s gorgeous period designs provide the backdrop for a comedy of social revolution and change that is as relevant today as ever.
‘The greatest works of art can stand examination again and again. There’s always something new to find in layer after layer; a road that will take you to new aspects of the story.’ Sir Thomas Allen Mozart’s bubbling, energetic score shows him at his theatrical best – with a true genius for getting to the heart of the drama, and each character. Tobias Ringborg (Il trovatore 2015) conducts an exciting cast including Jette Parker Young Artists Samuel Dale Johnson and Anna Devin (Don Giovanni 2013). Former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Ben McAteer (The Devil Inside 2016) is Figaro.
Conductors Tobias Ringborg & Timothy Burke (27 Oct,1, 3, 9, 17 Nov) Director Sir Thomas Allen Designer Simon Higlett Original Lighting Mark Jonathan Revival Lighting Robert B Dickson Original Choreographer Kally Lloyd-Jones Revival Choreographer Steinvor Palsson
Susanna Anna Devin Figaro Ben McAteer Countess Almaviva Eleanor Dennis Count Almaviva Samuel Dale Johnson Cherubino Hanna Hipp Antonio Donald Maxwell Marcellina Marie McLaughlin Dr Bartolo Graeme Broadbent Don Basilio/Don Curzio Paul Curievici Barbarina Lucy Hall
HHHH The Times
HHHH The Herald
Theatre Royal Glasgow 12 • 14 • 18 • 20 • 22 Oct 7.15pm 16 Oct 4pm His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen 27 • 29 Oct 7.15pm Eden Court, Inverness 1 • 3 • 5 Nov 7.15pm Festival Theatre Edinburgh 9 • 11 • 17 • 19 Nov 7.15pm 13 Nov 4pm Running time approx. 3 hrs 15 mins
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Original production supported by Dunard Fund & The Scottish Opera Syndicate
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Subscription 16 | 17
New production Supported by Dunard Fund & The Alexander Gibson Circle
Debussy’s
PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE World-renowned director Sir David McVicar returns to Scottish Opera. Joined by the design team behind War Horse, Rae Smith and Paule Constable, he directs Debussy’s extraordinary opera for the first time. Inspired by the paintings of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi, their production brings to life an enigmatic tale of love, honour, jealousy and loss, of things half-expressed and lives half-lived.
Theatre Royal Glasgow 23 Feb | 1 • 4 Mar 7.15pm 26 Feb 4pm Festival Theatre Edinburgh 7 • 9 • 11 Mar 7.15pm Running time approx. 3 hrs
‘Pelléas is an opera unlike any other. Debussy’s lyrical, sensuous music casts an hypnotic spell whilst the drama is compelling, unbearably moving.’ Sir David McVicar Shimmering and ephemeral, Debussy’s finely wrought score is a constant interplay of light and dark, water and sunlight. The outstanding cast includes internationally acclaimed soprano Carolyn Sampson (The Rake’s Progress 2012) and Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize winner Andrei Bondarenko. Music Director Stuart Stratford conducts.
Conductor Stuart Stratford Director Sir David McVicar Designer Rae Smith Lighting Paule Constable Movement Director Leah Hausman
Pelléas Andrei Bondarenko Mélisande Carolyn Sampson Golaud Roland Wood Arkel, King of Allemonde Alastair Miles Geneviève Anne Mason Doctor Jonathan May
Sung in French with English supertitles
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A new co-production with Vanishing Point
Subscription 16 | 17
Supported by Scottish Opera’s New Commissions Circle
Bartók’s
Matthew Lenton & Lliam Paterson’s
BLUEBEARD’S & THE 8TH CASTLE DOOR Bartók’s beautiful, mysterious opera is staged in collaboration with visionary Scottish theatre company Vanishing Point, and directed by its founder Matthew Lenton. Making full use of his talent for visually compelling storytelling, Bluebeard is presented alongside The 8th Door, a new music theatre work he has co-created with Scottish Opera Composer in Residence Lliam Paterson. They explore the ‘before’ of Bluebeard’s gruesome story – creating an ambitious double bill to enthral and intrigue.
Theatre Royal Glasgow 28 • 30 Mar | 1 Apr 7.15pm Festival Theatre Edinburgh 5 • 8 Apr 7.15pm Running time approx. 2 hrs
‘Bluebeard was very innovative for its day; what better way to complement it than to create an equally ground-breaking piece for our own era?’ Matthew Lenton & Lliam Paterson
The music of Bluebeard contrasts the powerful intimacy of just two singers with huge orchestral forces – delivering a wealth of textures and soundscapes, from the spine-tingling to the truly unsettling. Internationally acclaimed stars Karen Cargill and Robert Hayward sing Judith and Bluebeard. Sian Edwards (The Rake’s Progress 2012) conducts both works.
BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE Conductor Sian Edwards Director Matthew Lenton Set, Lighting & Projection Design Kai Fischer Costume Design Jessica Brettle THE 8TH DOOR Conductor Sian Edwards Conceived and Directed by Matthew Lenton Composer Lliam Paterson Co-created by Matthew Lenton & Lliam Paterson Set, Lighting & Projection Design Kai Fischer Costume Design Jessica Brettle
Bluebeard Robert Hayward Judith Karen Cargill
Sung in Hungarian with English supertitles
World premiere
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Subscription 16 | 17
New production Supported by The Scottish Opera Syndicate & Scottish Opera’s ‘Play a Supporting Role’ appeal
Puccini’s
LA BOHÈME The team behind 2014’s hit Don Pasquale returns with a new production of Puccini’s classic, La bohème. Director Renaud Doucet and designer André Barbe set the romance amidst the jumble of Paris’s famous flea markets. Inspired by the Jazz Age of Josephine Baker, this production will be full of their trademark colour, character and style.
‘It’s a pleasure to discover La bohème for the first time or to see it for the twentieth time – proof that, as an opera, it is universal, and that its atmosphere is more than merely nostalgic.’ Renaud Doucet & André Barbe
Theatre Royal Glasgow 9 • 12 • 16 • 18 • 20 May 7.15pm 14 May 4pm His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen 25 • 27 May 7.15pm Festival Theatre Edinburgh 31 May | 6 • 8 • 10 Jun 7.15pm 4 Jun 4pm Eden Court, Inverness 13 • 15 • 17 Jun 7.15pm
Puccini’s sublime score never fails to cast its spell – his lush orchestration and exquisite vocal lines combine in some of the most ravishing music in opera. Hye-Youn Lee (Madama Butterfly 2014) is the fated Mimì and Luis Gomes, winner of 2015’s Grand Prize at the Verbier Festival Academy and a Covent Garden regular, is Rodolfo. Music Director Stuart Stratford conducts.
Running time approx. 2 hrs 30 mins
Conductors Stuart Stratford & Derek Clark (25, 27 May) Director Renaud Doucet Designer André Barbe Lighting Guy Simard
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Mimì Hye-Youn Lee & Nadine Livingston (16 May, 8, 13 Jun) Rodolfo Luis Gomes & Christopher Turner (16 May, 8, 13 Jun) Marcello David Stout Musetta Jeanine De Bique Schaunard Božidar Smiljanić Colline Damien Pass Alcindoro/Benoît Jonathan Best
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A co-commission and co-production with Music Theatre Wales, The Royal Opera & Theater Magdeburg
New Opera
Supported by Scottish Opera’s New Commissions Circle
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Philip Glass’s
THE TRIAL
Financial Times
HHHH The Guardian
Based on the novel by Franz Kafka
Kafka’s nightmarish tale of Joseph K, a man viciously persecuted for an unknown crime, has lost none of its chilling potency over the years. Now, iconic composer Philip Glass brings his signature style to this literary classic. Working with Academy Award-winning playwright Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons 1988), their new opera is brimming with drama, paranoia and Kafka’s notoriously absurd humour.
Theatre Royal Glasgow 24 • 26 • 28 Jan 7.15pm King’s Theatre Edinburgh 3 • 4 Feb 7.15pm Running time approx. 2 hrs 20 mins
‘Philip’s music has an amazing theatrical energy and direction. It moves from an almost cabaret feel to menacing darkness, and the characters are fabulously entertaining.’ Michael McCarthy The superb ensemble cast includes Nicholas Lester (Don Pasquale 2014), Paul Carey Jones (Inés de Castro 2015) and three of Scottish Opera’s 2016/17 Emerging Artists. Michael McCarthy, Artistic Director of Music Theatre Wales, directs and Scottish Opera’s Head of Music Derek Clark conducts.
Conductor Derek Clark Director Michael McCarthy Designer Simon Banham Lighting Ace McCarron
* Scottish Opera Emerging Artist See page 21 for more information
Josef K Nicholas Lester Guard 1/Block Daniel Norman Guard 2/Usher/Clerk of Court/ Priest Paul Carey Jones Inspector/Uncle Michael Druiett Frau Grubach/Washerwoman Emma Kerr* Fräulein Bürstner/Leni Hazel McBain* Magistrate/Assistant/Lawyer Huld Gwion Thomas Titorelli/Flogger/Student Elgan Llyr Thomas*
Sung in English with English supertitles
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THE SUNDAY SERIES: OPERA IN CONCERT
Book for all four operas at Theatre Royal Glasgow and save up to £25! Call the box office for details. Theatre Royal Glasgow 23 Oct | 5 Feb | 2 Apr | 21 May 3pm
Curated by Music Director Stuart Stratford, this series of four operas in concert puts the spotlight on early and lesser-known works by some of opera’s biggest names. Join The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and some world-class guest singers for drama, emotion, romance, and, most importantly, great music. Mascagni’s
L’AMICO FRITZ | 23 Oct 3pm
This passionate, romantic drama is Mascagni’s second work, written hot on the heels of Cavalleria rusticana. Packed with rich and lyrical writing, it features the much-loved ‘Cherry Duet’.
Conductor Stuart Stratford Soloists Peter Auty, Hanna Hipp, Donald Maxwell, Hazel McBain* & Natalya Romaniw Running time approx. 2 hrs
Debussy’s
L’ENFANT PRODIGUE | 5 Feb 3pm
Debussy’s first work in the operatic form showcases his early mastery of melody, harmony and orchestration. This concert also features Debussy’s Prélude à l’aprèsmidi d’un faune and Sibelius’s Pelléas et Mélisande suite, complementing our mainstage performances.
Conductor Stuart Stratford Soloists Luis Gomes, Ashley Holland & Claire Rutter Running time approx. 1 hr 45 mins
Rossini’s
LA SCALA DI SETA | 2 Apr 3pm An early work by the Italian Master, written when Rossini was just 18 years old. Regarded by many as his first masterpiece, this one-act opera is full of fun. Conducted by Rossini expert David Parry.
Conductor David Parry Soloists Joshua Bloom, Katie Bray, Jennifer France, Jacques Imbrailo & Christopher Turner Running time approx. 1 hr 50 mins
Puccini’s
LE VILLI | 21 May 3pm
Le Villi is based on the same legend as the classic ballet Giselle, and this opera-ballet was Puccini’s first stage work. Performed in the middle of our run of La bohème, it shows his familiar lyrical flair. This concert also includes Preludio Sinfonico and Capriccio Sinfonico.
Conductor Stuart Stratford Soloists Neal Cooper, Stephen Gadd & Karen Slack Running time approx. 1 hr 45 mins * Scottish Opera Emerging Artist See page 21 for more information
7 Apr 7.30pm | Perth Concert Hall Join us as we head to Perth for a second performance of Rossini’s La scala di seta, conducted by David Parry. Book now at horsecross.co.uk
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National Tour
New production
Donizetti’s
THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Donizetti’s sunny comedy takes to the road, touring 17 smaller venues around Scotland. Dynamic young British director Oliver Platt and designer Oliver Townsend (Rodelinda 2013) take their inspiration from the world of P G Wodehouse in a cheeky, vividly characterised show with its tongue firmly in its cheek.
‘Elixir offers a joyous couple of hours of escape. It is a perfect opera; boisterous, fun-filled and fast-paced, with the ideal mixture of comedy and romance.’ Oliver Platt The lively and lyrical score sees Donizetti at his very best, from the beauty of ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ to the fun of Dulcamara’s patter songs. The cast includes Ellie Laugharne (The Pirates of Penzance 2013), Welsh tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas, winner of 2015’s prestigious Stuart Burrows International Voice Award, and acclaimed baritone James Cleverton. They’re accompanied by five players from The Orchestra of Scottish Opera in a new instrumental arrangement by Scottish Opera’s Head of Music Derek Clark.
Conductors Stuart Stratford & Derek Clark Director Oliver Platt Designer Oliver Townsend Lighting Mark Howland Movement Director Jim Manganello*
Adina Ellie Laugharne Nemorino Elgan Llyr Thomas* Belcore Toby Girling Dr Dulcamara James Cleverton Giannetta Hazel McBain*
21 Sep to 29 Oct Tour includes Motherwell, Stirling, Elgin, Ullapool, Stornoway, Thurso, Drumnadrochit, Ellon, Langholm, Newton Stewart, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Oban, Perth, Galashiels & Musselburgh Running time approx. 2 hrs 40 mins On sale Summer 2016
Sung in English
Instrumental arrangement Derek Clark Translation Kelley Rourke * Scottish Opera Emerging Artist See page 21 for more information
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Supported by the Friends of Scottish Opera
National Tour
OPERA HIGHLIGHTS Each year we take four singers and a pianist out and about around Scotland, travelling the highways and byways, by land, air and sea, to take a musical mix of opera highlights to some of the country’s smaller and more remote venues. Come February, we’ll be packing our van full of props and costumes to bring you an entertaining evening of music and good company. Whether you’re new to opera or a seasoned fan, there’s sure to be something for you, be it a tune you’re discovering for the first time or an old favourite you’ll be humming all the way home.
‘Even my non-opera-loving husband enjoyed the evening! It was a treat for those of us who live so far away from large theatres to appreciate such a well-produced evening.’ Audience member, 2016
14 Feb to 18 Mar Touring to Easterhouse, Maybole, Dumfries, Banchory, Gairloch, Nairn, Durness, Ardross, Fraserburgh, Lanark, Strathmiglo, Brodick, Killin, Bathgate & Strontian Running time approx. 2 hrs On sale Winter 2016
This year’s cast is full of fresh new talent, including two Scottish Opera Emerging Artists and two recent graduates of the National Opera Studio. Former Emerging Artist repetiteur Jonathon Swinard returns to the piano and current Emerging Artist director Jim Manganello is at the helm.
Music Director/Pianist Jonathon Swinard Director Jim Manganello*
Soprano Roisín Walsh Mezzo-soprano Emma Kerr * Tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas* Baritone Adam Gilbert
* Scottish Opera Emerging Artist See page 21 for more information
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HELP US TAKE OPERA FAR AND WIDE The Friends of Scottish Opera are vital in helping us do what we do best – taking the highest-quality opera the length and breadth of Scotland. For a decade they have supported our annual Opera Highlights tour, giving thousands of people in smaller towns and villages the chance to enjoy live performance in their local venue. For less than £4 a month you can join them. Call our Fundraising team on 0141 242 0593 or go to scottishopera.org.uk/supportus
‘What a privilege to hear such wonderful performances out here! A huge thank you to all the team for their hard work and efforts to travel!’ Audience member, Ardfern 2016
DEVELOPING NEW TALENT Scottish Opera has a long history of nurturing talent; from performers to the creation of new work, we’ve always seen it as an integral part of our activity. This Season we have a whole range of performances featuring up-and-coming talent, including young writers, composers and singers.
Emerging Artists
Encouraging New Opera
Supported by The Robertson Scholarship Trust, The John Mather Charitable Trust, Elizabeth Salvesen & Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artist Benefactors
In collaboration with the University of Aberdeen Supported by The Leverhulme Trust
Our Emerging Artists programme gives young artists the opportunity of a lifetime – a period of full-time work with the Company to help them launch their careers. Initially set up to nurture outstanding young singers, the programme includes positions for a director, a repetiteur, a costume trainee and a composer in residence. Our current artists are: Soprano Hazel McBain Mezzo-soprano Emma Kerr † Tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas Director Jim Manganello Repetiteur To be announced Costume trainee To be announced * Composer Lliam Paterson Our Emerging Artist singers will perform at two recitals during the year: Thu 17 Nov 1.10pm | University of Glasgow Concert Hall (free entry)
For the last three years, we’ve been working with undergraduate writers and composers at the University of Aberdeen to encourage the next generation of opera-makers. Guided by experienced mentors, this year two more pairs of students will present their own short operas as part of the University’s concert series.
National Opera Studio Supported by The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust The National Opera Studio provides top-quality professional training for leading singers and repetiteurs of the future. In 2017, Scottish Opera is again hosting a week-long residency for the trainees, culminating in a free performance. Fri 3 Mar 6pm | Theatre Royal Glasgow For more information on all this activity, performance details and how to book, go to scottishopera.org.uk
Fri 2 Dec 1pm | Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
† The Robertson Scholarship Trust Scottish Opera
Emerging Artist * The Elizabeth Salvesen Costume Trainee
Competition: Opera Sparks 2018 We’re looking for young composers and librettists to create three new short operas – to be performed by our Connect Company in 2018. So, if you’re 26 or under and Scottish, or based in Scotland, you could win a cash prize plus money-can’t-buy mentoring from experts, and have your opera performed by Scottish Opera Connect. Find out more at scottishopera.org.uk
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Family Show World premiere Supported by The Holywood Trust & Scottish Opera’s Education Angels
THE LITTLE WHITE TOWN OF NEVER WEARY An interactive musical adventure for 5-8 year olds Inspired by the book by Jessie M King
Parish Church Hall, Kirkcudbright 28 May 2016 10.30am & 2pm Auchmuty High School, Glenrothes 11 Jun 2016 10am & 1.30pm Running time approx. 1 hr
Book now at scottishopera.org.uk
Part of Festival of Architecture 2016
In a small town in Scotland, the vibrations from the old bell tower are making the buildings crumble. Can you help save them before the next hour strikes? Packed full of fun and larger-than-life characters, this fabulous family show includes an interactive workshop where you can do your bit to help save The Little White Town! Music & Songs Karen MacIver Lyrics & Story Martin Travers Director Julie Brown Visual Design Iain Piercy & Anna Webster Costume Design Trish Kenny
Schools performances in Kirkcudbright, Musselburgh, Falkirk, Aberdeen & Glenrothes, 26 May to 10 Jun. To book or for more information, call our Education team on 0141 332 9559 With thanks to copyright holders The Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright for their generous permission to adapt The Little White Town of Never Weary for the stage.
SCOTTISH OPERA CONNECT
14-21 year olds with a passion for performance Scottish Opera Connect gives aspiring singers, orchestral musicians and stage managers a unique, practical introduction to the world of opera.
Kurt Weill’s
Our Connect Company meets throughout the year for evening and weekend workshops with a range of professionals including composers, conductors, directors, designers, choreographers, stage managers and singers. This year’s Company will be performing at the opening ceremony of the International Society of Music Educators 2016 conference in Glasgow; at Aberdeen International Youth Festival, in collaboration with Opera North’s youth chorus; and in its own fully-staged production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.
Queen’s Cross Church, Aberdeen 5 Aug 4pm & 8pm
Find out more at scottishopera.org.uk
On sale Winter 2016
DOWN IN THE VALLEY & DER JASAGER Part of Aberdeen International Youth Festival
On sale Summer 2016
Purcell’s
DIDO AND AENEAS
Supported by Scottish Opera’s Education Angels Scottish Opera, Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow 8 & 9 Apr
Want to join in? Auditions for Connect Chorus 2017/18 will be held in January 2017. Look out for information this Autumn on our website. For more information on Connect Orchestra and Connect Stage Management, call our Education team on 0141 332 9559 or go to scottishopera.org.uk
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GET CLOSER… …and widen your opera experience with pre-show talks, back-stage insights and audio-described performances Opera Unwrapped Whether you’re new to opera or an old hand, you can find out more at Opera Unwrapped – a free hour-long taster that gives an insight into our shows and how they are created. Presented from the stage at each venue, our Unwrapped events involve singers, back-stage crew and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera. You’ll hear highlights from the music and be introduced to the principal characters from the opera, the plot and some key scenes. You’ll also find out more about the props, costumes, lighting and direction, as well as some of the theatrical secrets behind the production. Tickets are free but should be reserved by calling the box office at your chosen venue.
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO UNWRAPPED
Glasgow Wed 19 Oct 6pm Aberdeen Fri 28 Oct 6pm Inverness Fri 4 Nov 6pm Edinburgh Thu 10 Nov 6pm
PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE UNWRAPPED
Glasgow Tue 28 Feb 6pm Edinburgh Wed 8 Mar 6pm
BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE & THE 8TH DOOR UNWRAPPED
Glasgow Wed 29 Mar 6pm Edinburgh Thu 6 Apr 6pm
LA BOHÈME UNWRAPPED
Glasgow Thu 11 May 6pm Aberdeen Fri 26 May 6pm Edinburgh Thu 1 Jun 6pm Inverness Wed 14 Jun 6pm
Pre-show talks
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Want to know more about the opera you’re going to see? Look out for a performance with a pre-show talk. These free half-hour sessions delve deeper into the opera, enhancing your enjoyment and extending your knowledge of the piece.
PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE
Tickets are free but should be reserved by calling the box office at your chosen venue. Limited availability.
Glasgow Sat 22 Oct 6pm Aberdeen Sat 29 Oct 6pm Inverness Sat 5 Nov 6pm Edinburgh Sat 19 Nov 6pm
Glasgow Sat 4 Mar 6pm Edinburgh Sat 11 Mar 6pm
BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE & THE 8TH DOOR
Glasgow Sat 1 Apr 6pm Edinburgh Sat 8 Apr 6pm
LA BOHÈME
Glasgow Sat 20 May 6pm Aberdeen Sat 27 May 6pm Edinburgh Sat 10 Jun 6pm Inverness Sat 17 Jun 6pm
Audio-described performances If you’re visually impaired, you can enjoy the full opera experience with live commentary that describes the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, we include: • A free CD with an introduction to the production • A free Touch Tour of the set, costumes and props before the show • An audio introduction 15 minutes before the start of the main performance. If you or someone you know is interested in booking for an audio-described performance, simply contact the box office at your chosen theatre. Discounted tickets are available. Tickets for audio-description and Touch Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Guide dogs are welcome. Audio-described performances are listed below. Touch Tours start at 6pm for evening performances and 2.45pm for matinees.
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Glasgow Sat 22 Oct 7.15pm Aberdeen Sat 29 Oct 7.15pm Inverness Sat 5 Nov 7.15pm Edinburgh Sun 13 Nov 4pm
PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE Glasgow Sat 4 Mar 7.15pm Edinburgh Sat 11 Mar 7.15pm
BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE & THE 8TH DOOR Glasgow Sat 1 Apr 7.15pm Edinburgh Sat 8 Apr 7.15pm
LA BOHÈME
Glasgow Sun 14 May 4pm Aberdeen Sat 27 May 7.15pm Edinburgh Sat 10 Jun 7.15pm Inverness Sat 17 Jun 7.15pm
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DISCOVER MORE… …and get involved with pop-up opera, choirs, schools events and more Pop-up Opera Roadshow Scottish Opera is packing up its theatre on wheels and bringing three pop-up operas to festivals across Scotland this Summer. Performed by a storyteller, singers and instrumentalists, and supported with colourful illustrations, each show gives a fantastic introduction to opera. A Little Bit of Mikado and A Little Bit of Figaro are cleverly re-written versions of the full operas and are suitable for all ages, while A Little Bit of Northern Light tells the story of one little Scottish lighthouse, and has been specifically created for 5 to 8 year olds. Touring Scotland | May to Jul 2016
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Primary Schools Tour For Primary 5-7 classes
Supported by The Gannochy Trust Our children’s operas make learning fun, challenging and creative and allow pupils to participate in a high-quality, day-long music theatre workshop, ending with a performance for parents and guests. This year’s show is Tale o’ Tam – an exciting romp based on Robert Burns’ famous poem, Tam o’ Shanter, with music by Karen MacIver and lyrics by Ross Stenhouse. Spring 2017 | 16 Jan to 31 Mar Summer 2017 | 17 Apr to 23 Jun
Opera Unwrapped for Kids For school groups aged 9-11 years
Every year we give hundreds of children a glimpse behind the scenes of our opera productions. This year primary pupils will hear the orchestra, singers and back-stage crew introduce the plot, characters and music of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Puccini’s La bohème. Pupils will find out what an opera is, what makes it unique, and discover some secrets from behind the scenes. They will also see how the costumes, sets, props, lighting, singers and orchestra come together to create an opera live on stage.
Community Choir For adults of all ages
We need your voice! Set up in 2012 for adults living and working in the north of Glasgow, our Community Choir is going from strength to strength. With a mix of opera, classical, popular, folk and world music, the choir meets on Wednesday evenings in the new Robertson Trust Education Rooms at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. You don’t need to be able to read music or have any previous experience. Just come and give it a go, and see what fun singing can be!
Memory Spinners
For people with dementia and their carers Our Memory Spinners group meets weekly in Glasgow, and this year we’re starting a group in Edinburgh too. Using music, storytelling, movement and the visual arts, the programme helps people with dementia and their carers relax, get creative and form new support networks. Throughout each term, they share memories that are then incorporated into a relaxed performance for friends and family. Autumn 2016 Glasgow | Mon 10 Oct to Mon 21 Nov Edinburgh | Tue 18 Oct to Tue 29 Nov For more information on all of these projects, go to scottishopera.org.uk or call our Education team on 0141 332 9559.
Our education work is supported by Scottish Opera’s Education Angels. Join them at scottishopera.org.uk/educationangels
Autumn rehearsals 2016 | Wed 14 Sep to Wed 30 Nov Spring rehearsals 2017 | Wed 25 Jan to Wed 12 Apr 27
282 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3QA BOX OFFICE By phone: 0844 871 7647 Mon to Sat 9am-10pm & Sun 10am-8pm. Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
In person: Mon to Sat 10am-6pm (8pm on performance nights – sales for that evening’s performance only from 6pm). Online: atgtickets.com/glasgow YOU CAN PAY BY All major credit cards including Amex (Electron only in person). Cheques payable to ATG London Ltd. DISCOUNTS (*except Fri and Sat evenings) Day seats available from 10am on the day of the performance. Please note: Day seats are not available for The Trial or The Sunday Series. Discounts available for over 60s and people with disabilities.* Discounts available for full-time students, unwaged, wheelchair users and audio-description patrons. Groups rates available.* Call Group Bookings on 0844 871 7602. Mon to Fri 10am-6pm. Under 26s – £10 tickets, any seat, any performance. Bookable in advance. Show valid ID when booking. TICKETS IN PERSON £11.50-£77.50 (Subscription Series), £15-£30 (The Trial ), £14-£27 (The Sunday Series) TICKETS ONLINE/PHONE £12.50-£78.50 (Subscription Series), £16-£31 (The Trial ), £15-£28 (The Sunday Series ). A one-off £2.85 transaction fee applies to online, phone and postal bookings.
13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT
2 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LQ
BOX OFFICE By phone: 0131 529 6000 Mon to Sat 11am-6pm. In person: Mon to Sat 10am-6pm (until curtain up on performance nights). Online: edtheatres.com Text relay: 18002 0131 529 6003 YOU CAN PAY BY Visa Electron, Visa/Delta, Mastercard and Maestro. Cheques payable to Festival City Theatres Trust. DISCOUNTS (*except Fri and Sat evenings for Subscription Series) Day seats available from 10am on the day of the performance. Limited availability, in person only. We reserve the right to limit to two per person. Please note: Day seats are not available for The Trial. Discounts available for over 65s, unwaged, FCTT friends, YoungScot card holders and full-time students.* Discounts available for people with disabilities, wheelchair users and audio-description patrons. Please contact box office for details. Group/school rates available.* Call Group Bookings on 0131 529 6005. Mon to Fri 11am-6pm. Full-time students and unwaged – £10 standby ticket, subject to availability on the day of performance, from 10am in person with valid ID.* Under 26s – £10 tickets, any seat, any performance. Bookable in advance. Show valid ID when booking. TICKETS £19-£82.50 (Subscription Series)#, £16-£31 (The Trial ) # Prices include a contribution to the Theatres’ Development Fund. An 80p handling charge will be added for posting your tickets to you (when booked more than 1 week in advance).
Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GL BOX OFFICE By phone: 01224 641122 Mon to Sat 9.30am-6pm. In person: Mon to Sat 9.30am-6pm (8pm on performance nights). Online: boxofficeaberdeen.com YOU CAN PAY BY Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. DISCOUNTS Discounts available for APA Friends, students, over 60s, unemployed, claimants, people with disabilities and audio-description patrons. Group rates available. Email groups@aberdeenperformingarts.com Under 26s – £10 tickets, any seat, any performance. Bookable in advance. Show valid ID when booking. TICKETS £19.50-£56.50 A £1 postage charge will be added if applicable.
Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA BOX OFFICE By phone: 01463 234234 Mon to Sat 10am-8pm (Sun from 11am). In person: Mon to Sat 10am-8pm (Sun from 11am). Online: eden-court.co.uk YOU CAN PAY BY Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. Cheques payable to Eden Court. DISCOUNTS Discounts available for Eden Court Friends, students, over 60s, Jobseekers Allowance, ES40s, Registered Disabled and audio-description patrons. Group rates available. Contact the box office for details. Under 26s – £10 tickets, any seat, any performance. Bookable in advance. Show valid ID when booking. TICKETS £18.50-£56.50 A £1 postage charge will be added if applicable.
CONTACT US Scottish Opera, 39 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow G2 4PT JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Call us on 0141 248 4567 or sign up online at scottishopera.org.uk TELL US WHAT YOU THINK If you have any feedback on any of our activity, we’d love to hear from you. Email thisiswhatithink@scottishopera.org.uk
Scottish Opera
Image/photography credits © James Glossop – pages 2, 21, 25 © Andrew Lee – page 3 © Andy Bell – pages 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18 © Richard Campbell – page 21 © Iain Piercy – pages 22, 26 © Stuart Armitt – pages 23, 26 © Sally Jubb – pages 23, 26 © Bartosz Madejski – page 23 © Tommy Ga-Ken Wan – page 23 © Mark Hamilton – pages 24, 26 © James Carney – page 26
@ scottishopera
Scottish Opera
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is core funded by
Registered in Scotland Number SCO37531 Scottish Opera – Scottish Charity Number SCO19787 Scottish Opera Theatre Royal Ltd – Scottish Charity Number SCO14382 Scottish Opera Endowment Trust – Scottish Charity Number SCO03924
Brochure © Scottish Opera 2016. Compiled by Scottish Opera. All details are printed in good faith and are correct at the time of going to press. Scottish Opera reserves the right to change programme and cast details at any time. Visual material contained within the brochure is illustrative and does not necessarily relate to staged production. Printed by 21 Colour.