At first there is no reason to think the choice of Cav & Pag to be in any way risky for an amateur group with an accomplished team of soloists, chorus and orchestra. In this case, however, the Carl Rosa had played in Dundee in 1955, their first visit since 1928. They had returned the following year, with, once again, every performance selling out. The verismo coupling had featured in the repertoire both times, so three more performances might have been an overprovision. However, in the event, things went well for both this, and the lighter piece played on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Romberg's Student Prince.
The exceitement was caused by last minute illness. The director, James Cruden, was taken off to hospital at a late stage. His work was nearly done, given a final polish by baritone James Kinloch (Tonio after the interval). Of greater effect on the performances was the collaps of veteran conductor Arthur J Miller. He had worked with the company since 1922, leading it from 1933, and his illness was severe enough to keep him in hospital through the week and force his retirement. His excellent replacement was Richard Telfer, a hugely influential Edinburgh music teacher, who was able to step into both productions, having conducted both scores with Edinburgh Grand.
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