Opera Scotland

Carmen 1991Scottish Opera

Read more about the opera Carmen

The only revival of Graham Vick’s interesting Carmen production from 1986 was, in most respects, an improvement on the original. The cast was far more consistent in quality, and the performance was given in generally effective French. Paul Maloney if anything tightened up on Vick’s own staging. Jean Rigby was not familiar to Scottish audiences, but was an experienced Carmen at the Coliseum, singing the original text with conviction. Arthur Davies and Greer Grimsley both made an impact vocally and dramatically, while there were exciting debuts by two new sopranos, Ainhoa Arteta and Susan Chilcott. The only weakness was the generally unsubtle, overloud and unidiomatic orchestral performance under the baton of Marco Guidarini.

 

Scottish Opera's Season - 1991/92

At this period, Scottish Opera generally mounted nine main-stage operas each season, in groups of three. If funds allowed, there would be a small-scale production as well. For the 1991/92 season, the piano-accompanied tour, with 33 performances through the autumn, was of Maria Stuarda. The main stage schedule began at the Edinburgh Festival with a new production of La Clemenza di Tito. There were two more new stagings - Die Walküre and Don Giovanni. The six revivals were Madam Butterfly, Carmen, La traviata, Billy Budd, The Marriage of Figaro and Aïda.