Opera Scotland

Madam Butterfly 1991Scottish Opera

Read more about the opera Madama Butterfly

A third, and very long, run of Nuria Espert's unusual take on this classic seemed to work very effectively. Gibson remained a natural Puccinian, everything beautifully phrased and natural sounding, but with the dramatic moments packing a punch and the ending quite overwhelming. Both Butterflies were subtle singing actors and both Howards provided excellent support. The tenors were perhaps the only weakness, with no great acting ability on display, except when Seppo Ruohonen returned to a production with which he was entirely familiar. Greer Grimsley, revisiting the company for larger roles, and a Wotan in the making, was superbly effective in the Bonze's few phrases.

 

Scottish Opera's Season - 1991/92

At this period, Scottish Opera generally mounted nine main-stage operas each season, in groups of three. If funds allowed, there would be a small-scale production as well. For the 1991/92 season, the piano-accompanied tour, with 33 performances through the autumn, was of Maria Stuarda. The main stage schedule began at the Edinburgh Festival with a new production of La Clemenza di Tito. There were two more new stagings - Die Walküre and Don Giovanni. The six revivals were Madam Butterfly, Carmen, La traviata, Billy Budd, The Marriage of Figaro and Aïda.