Opera Scotland

Gioconda 1984Tayside Opera

Read more about the opera Gioconda

Ponchielli's masterpiece is hardly ever performed in Britain even by professionals. The Carl Rosa company brought it to Scotland in 1903, but since then it has been the property of the bravest (most reckless or foolhardy?) of amateur groups. The scenic demands - a regatta on the Grand Canal, a burning ship, St Mark's Square, a Venetian palazzo, not to mention the most famous ballet in the whole of Italian opera, make this a challenge to bring off even in the Verona arena. Still, in spite of the implausibilities of plot it is a hugely enjoyable work, packed with glorious tunes, and always works in performance. This production proved that to be the case, providing a thoroughly stimulating evening, with some excellent singing. The title role attracted Gelda Ball back to the company after some years away, and it was easy to see why.