Opera Scotland

Theatre Royal, Edinburgh

Posted 20 Apr 2011

The building was for ninety years at the centre of cultural life in Edinburgh and many of the greatest singers of their time performed opera on its stage. The first performance in Scotland of Marriage of Figaro (31st July1819) took place there, as did that of the Barber of Seville. Later, in 1855, the first full performance of Semiramide in Scotland was held (Monday 19 February). The great singers Mario and Grisi sang together in Norma (29th September, 1855). They'd previously sung in many concerts in Scotland, but not we believe in staged opera. The first Scottish performance of Verdi's Il Trovatore was given there on 21st January 1856.

The building truly had a rich history but was purchased in 1859 so it could be demolished and the land used for the head Post Office.