Opera Scotland

Elixir of Love

Posted 19 Sep 2016

Scottish Opera's new production of Donizetti's sunny comedy is setting out on a tour to 17 venues around the country. The Company's Music Director, Stuart Stratford – who attracted rave reviews for his work on Rusalka and Opera Holland Park's Iris earlier this year – conducts the first six performances of this lively opera. Derek Clark, Scottish Opera's Head of Music, takes over on the remaining dates.

Young British director Oliver Platt and designer Oliver Townsend (Rodelinda 2013) take inspiration from the world of PG Wodehouse for their staging of The Elixir of Love. The tour opens in Motherwell before travelling to Stirling, Elgin, Ullapool, Stornoway, Thurso, Drumnadrochit, Ellon, Langholm, Newton Stewart, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Oban, St. Andrews, Perth, Galashiels and Musselburgh.

Ellie Laugharne (Pirates of Penzance 2013) takes on the role of Adina. She is joined by Welsh tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas, winner of 2015's prestigious Stuart Burrows International Voice Award, and acclaimed baritone James Cleverton. Five players from The Orchestra of Scottish Opera will accompany the singers in a new instrumental arrangement by Derek Clark. Audiences can look forward to a decidedly tongue-in-cheek take on Donizetti's lyrical score. Highlights include 'Una furtiva lagrima' and Dulcamara's patter songs.

Stuart Stratford said: 'The Elixir of Love is full of fantastic melodies, a witty plot and it is shot through with a bolt of Italian sunshine which permeates all of the music. I am very excited to be conducting this new chamber realisation of the score arranged by our Head of Music Derek Clark, and can't wait to visit the further reaches of our country to share this incredible piece with the people of Scotland.' 

Elixir of Love has a history of perfomance in Scotland starting as long ago as 1838 - read about it here.

To book your tickets, click here.