Maritana 1950Edinburgh Opera Company
Read more about the opera Maritana
The Edinburgh Opera Company had been active throughout the inter-war period. Having resumed activity in 1948 it was now able to field a substantial chorus and orchestra, plus fourteen dancers, led by Sheila Cameron.
Maritana had faded from the professional repertoire, but was stll popular with amateur performers, at least through the 1950s - they would repeat the work in 1957.
Most of the solo roles were double cast. Richard Telfer appears as one of the conductors, but from now on took over as the company's guiding light. Telfer later played an important part in the formation and development of Scottish Opera.
Baritone Charles MacKay sang principal parts with the Edinburgh company in 1929 as well as in 1950. Richard Reid appeared in 1936 with Glasgow Grand. John Small, by contrast, appeared with the Edinburgh Opera Company in 1950 and again in 1969.
The Music Hall was the city's main concert venue during the 19th century, until the Usher Hall was built. It is still the largest space within the Assembly Rooms on George Street, though perhaps nowadays more familiar as a venue for the most popular Festival Fringe events.
Performance Cast
- Maritana a gitana
-
Elizabeth Tait (Apr 3, 7, 8)
Anne Heaney (Apr 4, 5)
- Don Caesar de Bazan
-
Richard Reid (Apr 3, 7, 8)
James Farrer (Apr 4, 5)
- Don José de Santarem
-
Charles MacKay (Apr 3, 7, 8)
Stewart Logan (Apr 4, 5)
- Lazarillo a poor apprentice
-
Nancy Lawrence (Apr 3, 7, 8)
Mary Morris (Apr 4, 5)
- Captain of the Guard
- Marchioness of Montefiore
-
Sheila Annal (Apr 3, 7, 8)
Marion Stewart (Apr 4, 5)
- Marquis of Montefiore
- Charles II King of Spain
-
Geoffrey Wall (Apr 3, 7, 8)
Owen Connolly (Apr 4, 5)
- Alcade