Opera Scotland

Trial by Jury 1990Scottish National Orchestra

Read more about the opera Trial by Jury

The Scottish National Orchestra, as it was still styled at the time, for many years ran a series of end-of-season Prom concerts in its four major venues. A week, or longer, of varied programmes appeared in Edinburgh and Glasgow, timed to attract students after the end of their exams. Earlier, Aberdeen and Dundee were given three concerts each, over a short residency, usually in the middle of exam time (students were notable by their total absence from proceedings). The programmes were varied, and famous artists appeared. However, concert performances of opera did not usually feature.

Peter Maxwell Davies worked frequently with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, composing a memorable series of Strathclyde Concertos for most of the section principals. He conducted these premières, making regular appearances in the eighties. Work with the SNO happened less often, and it was a delightful surprise to find him in charge of a programme of Gilbert and Sullivan - a style of music he had always loved. The first half saw the excellent soloists and chorus in a series of favourite songs and ensembles:- 'Climbing over rocky mountain', 'The sun whose rays', etc., culminating in the substantial Act 1 finale to The Gondoliers. After the interval, a well cast performance of Trial By Jury provided a rousing climax to the event. Most of the singers had G & S in their blood, particularly through experience in Jonathan Miller's ENO Mikado staging.

Dates in Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow to be added.