Opera Scotland

Barbiere di Siviglia 1991Scottish Opera

Read more about the opera Barber of Seville

Robert David MacDonald's 1985 production returned for its third and final run. This time it was directed by Nick Broadhurst, generally in sympathy with the original, and a new translation by the Holdens replaced Macdonald's own version used last time. Robert Dean had sung Figaro at both previous runs, but had joined the company music staff as repetiteur and staff conductor in 1988. He now conducted the work for the first time - perfectly acceptable, but a bit fierce in the ensembles. Simon Keenlyside made an immediate impression in the title role by producing three oranges and juggling with them during the climax to 'Largo al factotum'. He sang well too, and his portrayal went from strength to strength. Eric Roberts was a wonderfully droll Bartolo. The new Almaviva, John Daniecki didn't have a sweetly beautiful voice, but it was flexible and he had a good stab at the Count's last act aria, so often cut, and was a good actor.

 

Scottish Opera's Season - 1990/91

The 1990/91 season of Scottish Opera featured nine operas, most notably the world premiere of a new piece by Judith Weir, The Vanishing Bridegroom and the British premiere of an unknown American work, Regina by Mark Blitzstein. The three other new productions were Les Troyens, Fidelio and Falstaff. There were also revivals of Bohème,  Tosca, The Cunning Little Vixen and The Barber of Seville. It was also the first season in which the company introduced supertitles, though not yet when the work was being sung in English.