Opera Scotland

Rigoletto 1962Sadler's Wells Opera

Read more about the opera Rigoletto

This revival of Rigoletto has a very strong cast conducted by John Matheson and directed by Michael Geliot. Both would go on to important careers. Peter Glossop had been the company's leading Verdi baritone over several seasons and was about to move to Covent Garden, where his international career would take off. Elizabeth Harwood was also on the verge of an international career. Australian Donald Smith and Canadian Don Garrard spent several seasons with the company, and while Maureen Guy only sang a few roles at the Wells, she was also a notable mezzo.

This three-week Scottish tour began on 1 October at the Edinburgh King's, followed by Aberdeen then Glasgow - that week unusually being at the Glasgow Empire. The schedule for the Aberdeen week was: Mon Bartered Bride; Tue Tosca; Wed Rigoletto; Thu Bartered Bride; Fri Magic Flute; Sat mat & eve Iolanthe. The other venues saw the same operas, usually in a slightly different order.

Cast details for Edinburgh are from a programme in the NLS, with the Aberdeen cast in a programme at Aberdeen City Library.