Opera Scotland

Opera Highlights 2018Scottish Opera

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The content

Opera Highlights this year is structured around the story of Henrietta and Leon, two stage managers who have to cope with the demands of opera stars Sophia and Petrach every night on tour. It also features a new work, entitled Wings, created especially for the tour by Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artist Composer in Residence Samuel Bordoli.

With something for everyone, from opera first-timers to seasoned fans, Opera Highlights promises an intimate performance of great music.

The talent

The cast of the Spring tour is full of fresh new talent including mezzo-soprano Catherine Backhouse (La traviata 2017), The Robertson Trust Scholarship Emerging Artist at Scottish Opera; soprano Máire Flavin; baritone Benjamin Lewis and National Opera Studio graduate, tenor William Morgan. Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Emerging Artist Patrick Milne, Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artist Repetiteur, accompanies the four talented young singers on piano.

Jack Furness (Opera Highlights 2016) makes a welcome return to the Company to direct. He said: ‘Autumn’s Opera Highlights was a really beautiful show to make, and re-exploring that with a new cast is going to be a fun adventure – I’m looking forward to it hugely.'

‘William Morgan and I had a great creative partnership going in the Autumn, and it will be great to see how we can push his character further. It’s also fantastic to be working with Máire Flavin again. We did a show together in Aberdeenshire, and she was really sensational in the role of Violetta. I’m excited to see what she brings to this role.'

Jack continued 'I’ve also been wanting to work with Benjamin Lewis for a long time. He’s one of the most exciting young baritones in the UK and this should be a real treat for audiences. And of course, Emerging Artist Catherine Backhouse who has been so brilliant in Scottish Opera’s La traviata. Working with Patrick Milne at the piano, I’m hoping we can push the show’s blend of off-beat comedy and theatrical depth into ever more interesting places.’

Bringing opera near you

Scottish Opera’s General Director, Alex Reedijk, said: ‘Touring Scotland is at the heart of what we do and Opera Highlights is the perfect show to take to smaller and more remote communities around the country as it truly has something for everyone. After a successful 17-date Autumn tour, which saw the Opera Highlights team travel around Scotland from Stornoway to Stranraer, we’re thrilled to be able to take the show on the road again this Spring. The Autumn Opera Highlights tour was a hit with audiences, and director Jack Furness’ imaginative approach will no doubt bring out the best in this Spring’s fabulous young cast.’