The annual tour by the Italian troupe imported by Eugene Iskoldoff and Peter Daubeny had become a popular fixture over several years. The autumn 1954 version had enjoyed a second burst in the spring of 1955, so perhaps it is not surprising that this one only lasted ten weeks - five in London, two in Manchester, one in Newcastle and two in Glasgow.
Apart from Rigoletto, the repertoire was composed over a very narrow span from 1890 to 1904. Cav & Pag were joined by Bohème, Tosca and Butterfly. The Russian-born English soprano Kyra Vayne had been a regular member of the team, and here sang the title-role once more.
Augusto Frati's other roles were romantic 'young baritone' parts, so it is interesting to see him take on a character role. Also, Anna di Stasio, the group's leading mezzo, shows herself to be a good company member in taking the off-stage shepherd boy in the last act.
The Iskoldoff Italian Opera Company in Glasgow - 1955
The six operas presented were from the core of the Italian repertoire, represented by Verdi (Rigoletto); Leoncavallo (Pagliacci); Puccini ( Bohème, Tosca, Madam Butterfly) and Mascagni (Cavalleria Rusticana),
The performance schedule at the King's Theatre, Glasgow, was:
W/c Monday, 21 November; Mon 21 Bohème; Tue 22 Cav & Pag; Wed 23 m Bohème; Wed 23 e Madam Butterfly; Thu 24 Rigoletto; Fri 25 Tosca; Sat 26 m Madam Butterfly; Sat 26 e Rigoletto.
W/c Monday, 28 November: Mon 28 Tosca; Tue 29 Bohème; Wed 30 m Tosca; Wed 30 e Rigoletto; Thu 1 Dec Cav & Pag; Fri 2 Madam Butterfly; Sat 3 m Cav & Pag; Sat 3 e Bohème.
Cast details are from a programme during the London season. Any variations for Glasgow are to be confirmed.
© Copyright Opera Scotland 2024
Site by SiteBuddha