Opera Scotland

Fidelio 1984Scottish Opera

Read more about the opera Fidelio

Scottish Opera’s first Fidelio staging, originally by Peter Ebert,  had first appeared the Beethoven bicentenary year 1970.  It still worked well, though perhaps now seemed slightly old-fashioned.  It was given a massive run of fifteen performances in six centres.  The original monumental sets by Hans-Ulrich Schmückle still looked impressive, though previous highlights such as the prisoners’ chorus and the final entry of the people in a dazzling blaze of light made less of an impact.  New costumes were desperately needed, and were hired from Covent Garden for the occasion.

The new cast included Kathryn Harries and John Treleaven, very effective as Leonore and Florestan. Bill McCue, the sole survivor from 1970, apart from Gibson, showed Rocco to be one of his best roles - warm-hearted and well-intentioned. Hartmut Welker made a notable debut with the company as an incisive Pizarro, though, sadly, he never returned in any other roles.

 

Scottish Opera's Season - 1984/85

Scottish Opera's subscription season 1984-85 consisted of nine operas, including six new productions.  One of these was a world premiere. The season began with Cavalli's Orion, which received its UK premiere at the Edinburgh Festival before joining the season's repertoire.   The other works given were  Fidelio (revival),  Rigoletto (revival),  Capriccio,  Bartered Bride (revival),  Barbiere di Siviglia,  Don Giovanni,  Orlando and  Hedda Gabler (Edward Harper world premiere).