Opera Scotland

Parsifal 2002Edinburgh International Festival

Read more about the opera Parsifal

The opera programme at the 2002 Edinburgh Festival was of excellent quality. The two central stagings were of Wagner - a co-production with Salzburg of Parsifal, conducted by Claudio Abbado, directed by Peter Stein, and Siegfried - the third instalment of Scottish Opera's memorable Ring cycle, conducted by Richard Armstrong and directed by Tim Albery. The Turn of the Screw was directed by Luc Bondy and conducted by Daniel Harding. There was also a striking production of Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex from Canada, directed by François Girard. Concert performances included Donizetti's Maria Stuarda conducted by Charles Mackerras and Enescu's Oedipe.

The collaboration of long term Edinburgh favourites Claudio Abbado and Peter Stein made this an unmissable event. Stein provided a characteristically clear-headed, almost straightforward account,  unusual by then current standards.

The list of soloists was of world class, led by Lithuanian Violeta Urmana in her only staged opera performance in Edinburgh. However, the most important and memorable aspect of the evening was the long-breathed and luminously beautiful account of the score by Abbado and his young players. They were well supported by the majestic sound of the massed choirs.