Opera Scotland

Bride of Dionysus 1929Edinburgh Opera Company

Read more about the opera Bride of Dionysus

Donald Tovey's only opera was given a carefully prepared launch in the city where he spent most of his career as one of the most influential British musicians of the early twentieth century.

Each role was double-cast, including the conductor. Thus, not only were the two groups of singers able to rest between shows (or sing some Leoncavallo or Puccini), but cover was available so that, if required, as in the role of Ariadne, one singer could give all the performances if the alternate were to drop out.

The back-up conductor, David Stephen, was an important figure in Scottish musical circles, as conductor, pianist, organist and composer. He worked from late Victorian times in Dundee before moving to Edinburgh.

Data is taken from a framed display in the foyer of the Edinburgh Festival Theatre.