Opera Scotland

Traviata 2003Glyndebourne on Tour

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Very little of Sir Peter Hall's operatic work has been seen in Scotland, and this was originally, back in 1987,  one of his extensive list of productions staged at Glyndebourne.  This time, only the traditional designs by John Gunter survived, and Christopher Cowell made no attempt to restage the Hall original. Richard Farnes was an instinctive Verdian, bringing a good stylish performance from both chorus and orchestra.

Majella Cullagh was an excellent Violetta with no technical weakness, and movingly acted, especially in the last act. The cast also included the first Scottish appearance by Edgatas Montvidas - trained at Covent Garden, and soon to become a favourite with Scottish Opera. Also a good actor, his Alfredo was convincingly gauche, awkward and immature, as he should be at the start, and beautifully sung throughout.