| Scottish Opera - Glasgow | 13 May 2024 |
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Il barbiere di Siviglia
Carmen
Il trittico
Ainadamar
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Madama ButterflyScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Five stars go to 'the best performance Glasgow’s theatre scene has seen in years' |
 30 May 14 / The Journal |
Hye-Youn Lee gives moving portrayal of Madama Butterfly |
| 21 May 14 / Seen and Heard |
Scottish Opera's Butterfly soars with a new cast |
| 12 May 14 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Hye-Youn Lee brought an assertive edge to the title role |
| 12 May 14 / Financial Times |
It was only by the end of Act 2 that the singers and the understated simple staging felt at home with each other |
| 12 May 14 / The Herald |
Hye-Youn Lee is convincing and nuanced in central role |
| 10 May 14 / The Guardian |
MacbethScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Shoestring Macbeth provides impressive performances |
| 14 Apr 14 / Seen and Heard |
The undisputed star of the show is Elisabeth Meister who is breath-taking as Lady Macbeth |
| 29 Mar 14 / The Journal |
Elisabeth Meister’s Lady Macbeth is a stunning knockout |
| 26 Mar 14 / Opera Britannia |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera's awkward compromise |
| 24 Mar 14 / The Guardian |
Aye, fair is foul and foul is fair as the lady is given the blame |
| 24 Mar 14 / The Herald |
It’s a production that always feels as if something is missing |
| 24 Mar 14 / The Scotsman |
TurandotScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
The punters clearly felt they got their money's worth |
| 2 Apr 14 / The Herald |
Don PasqualeScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Enormous fun |
| 21 Feb 14 / The Opera Critic |
High musical values in Scottish Opera’s Don Pasquale |
| 3 Feb 14 / Seen and Heard |
Scottish Opera performs Donizetti's Don Pasquale convincingly as a sitcom |
| 30 Jan 14 / Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
Despite cartoonish elements, Scottish Opera’s 1960s-set Donizetti production suffers from a lack of daring |
| 28 Jan 14 / Financial Times |
Hilarious yet substantial |
| 28 Jan 14 / The Stage |
Feline frolics at the Pensione Pasquale give little paws for thought |
| 28 Jan 14 / Opera Britannia |
Cliche's abound, some of them feeling more desperate than others |
| 28 Jan 14 / The Herald |
This Don Pasquale delivers plenty of brash and busy frills, but its cartoonish characters need more nuance |
| 27 Jan 14 / The Guardian |
Don GiovanniScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Sir Thomas directs a convincing Don Giovanni |
| 22 Nov 13 / Seen and Heard |
A seductive Don Giovanni |
| 18 Nov 13 / The Opera Critic |
Darkly emotional |
| 22 Oct 13 / The Stage |
more reviews [+]
Richly sumptuous and vividly told |
| 19 Oct 13 / The Scotsman |
Thomas Allen's Venetian production doesn't quite catch fire |
| 18 Oct 13 / Opera Britannia |
Scottish Opera once again struggles with main-stage repertoire in Thomas Allen’s Mozart production |
| 17 Oct 13 / Financial Times |
Refreshingly conservative but pedestrian |
| 17 Oct 13 / Telegraph |
Scottish Opera's take on Mozart's serial seducer has fine individual performances in a handsome period setting |
| 17 Oct 13 / The Guardian |
associated articles [+]
Getting to grips with Don Giovanni
Don Giovanni became one of Sir Thomas Allen's signature roles, now he's directing Jacques Imbrailo, making his debut as Mozart's great antihero.
Don Giovanni became one of Sir Thomas Allen's signature roles, now he's directing Jacques Imbrailo, making his debut as Mozart's great antihero.
RodelindaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Scottish Opera’s shoestring Rodelinda attracts praise |
| 4 Nov 13 / Seen and Heard |
Saved by some industrious musicianship and graceful singing |
| 3 Oct 13 / The Guardian |
Handel's music was a joy to hear |
| 30 Sep 13 / The Herald |
Die sieben TodsundenScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Satisfyingly sinful |
| 26 Aug 13 / The Opera Critic |
The Pirates of PenzanceScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Jolly good fun |
| 30 May 13 / The Opera Critic |
A great evening |
| 30 May 13 / Edinburgh Guide |
Monty Python meets G&S in crowd-pleasing Pirates! |
| 21 May 13 / Opera Britannia |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera’s production seems designed to appeal to the widest possible constituency |
| 18 May 13 / Financial Times |
A professional touch finally makes Gilbert and Sullivan sing |
| 18 May 13 / Telegraph |
A handsome production, set in sparse pastels and goofy cartoon cut-outs |
| 17 May 13 / The Guardian |
What great entertainment |
| 16 May 13 / The Herald |
Gilbert and Sullivan need a lighter director's touch in this musically strong new production |
| 16 May 13 / The Arts Desk |
Der Fliegende HolländerScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Strong performance by Scottish Opera of Wagner’s Dutchman |
| 18 Apr 13 / Seen and Heard |
Love among the sewing machines and sarnies |
| 15 Apr 13 / Independent on Sunday |
The Flying Dutchman puts into port in Scotland |
| 15 Apr 13 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
A gripping prduction |
| 15 Apr 13 / Edinburgh Guide |
The bleak mood and toughness of the dying fishing industry works well |
| 14 Apr 13 / The Observer |
Something of a mixed bag |
| 9 Apr 13 / Opera Britannia |
The piece doesn’t always grip as it should |
| 9 Apr 13 / The Stage |
Updated to the 1970s, this is a dumbed-down ‘Dutchman’, but one that has its musical strengths |
| 8 Apr 13 / Financial Times |
This enthralling production goes back to Wagner's original plan of staging the opera in Scotland |
| 6 Apr 13 / Telegraph |
A thoughtful and thought-provoking production |
| 6 Apr 13 / The Guardian |
La TraviataScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
This performance of La Traviata for Scottish Opera didn't disappoint as a wonderful showcase for new talent |
| 9 Mar 13 / Telegraph |
This small-scale touring ‘Traviata’ felt like a mainstage production |
| 24 Sep 12 / Financial Times |
Scottish Opera's new fold-up Traviata is Verdi distilled |
| 22 Sep 12 / The Guardian |
WertherScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Emotions run deep in Werther |
| 1 Mar 13 / The Opera Critic |
Orchestra overwhelms Scottish Opera’s Werther |
| 28 Feb 13 / Seen and Heard |
Massenet’s music is enchanting, lively and full of delicious variety |
| 28 Feb 13 / Edinburgh Guide |
more reviews [+]
Only a first rate production can release the full power of Massenet’s Werther; luckily, Scottish Opera's new production is just that |
| 23 Feb 13 / Telegraph |
Jonathan Boyd is excellent in the title role, but this production lacks emotional impact |
| 22 Feb 13 / Financial Times |
Furtado’s detailed direction is responsive to the alternately delicate and passionate score |
| 19 Feb 13 / The Stage |
There are some fine performances, but altogether it is an incoherent and stilted account |
| 19 Feb 13 / The Guardian |
A tale of doomed love |
| 18 Feb 13 / The Herald |
A confident new staging that has much to commend itself |
| 18 Feb 13 / Opera Britannia |
A Midsummer Night's DreamScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Impressive young talent in Britten’s Dream |
| 4 Feb 13 / Seen and Heard |
Olivia Fuchs gives Britten’s Shakespeare opera a light-hearted, though never superficial, quality |
| 1 Feb 13 / Financial Times |
A dream comes true |
| 28 Jan 13 / The Herald |
more reviews [+]
A chilly, abstract labyrinth of troubled dreams and murky intents |
| 28 Jan 13 / The Guardian |
Die ZauberflöteScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
An exuberant Magic Flute |
| 20 Nov 12 / The Opera Critic |
Great fun and well worth seeing |
| 18 Nov 12 / Edinburgh Guide |
Sir Thomas Allen's production of Mozart's kaleidoscopic opera is adventurous and lively |
| 3 Nov 12 / Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
There are no fresh insights in Sir Thomas Allen’s production, but it is good looking and entertaining |
| 23 Oct 12 / Financial Times |
A sure-footed and brightly entertaining production of The Magic Flute |
| 23 Oct 12 / Telegraph |
A joyful riot |
| 21 Oct 12 / The Observer |
A brilliantly crowd-pleasing new Magic Flute |
| 20 Oct 12 / The Stage |
A brilliantly crowd-pleasing new Magic Flute |
| 19 Oct 12 / The Stage |
Delivered with endearing wit and charm |
| 19 Oct 12 / The Guardian |
In the Locked RoomScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Persuasive pieces |
| 10 Sep 12 / Independent on Sunday |
A tale of two operas |
| 5 Sep 12 / The Opera Critic |
Neither Watkins’ score nor Michael McCarthy’s staging differentiate between reality and imagination |
| 4 Sep 12 / Financial Times |
more reviews [+]
There is a real intensity and sense of purpose to both these two new operas |
| 4 Sep 12 / The Stage |
A fine new double bill by Scottish Opera and Music Theatre Wales |
| 2 Sep 12 / The Observer |
There's no spare flesh on Harsent's lapidary text, nor on Watkins's vocal writing |
| 1 Sep 12 / The Guardian |
Both works are well worth hearing and seeing |
| 1 Sep 12 / Telegraph |
Ghost PatrolScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Persuasive pieces |
| 10 Sep 12 / Independent on Sunday |
A tale of two operas |
| 5 Sep 12 / The Opera Critic |
Scottish Opera’s new-writing programme pays off handsomely with Stuart MacRae’s ‘Ghost Patrol’ |
| 4 Sep 12 / Financial Times |
more reviews [+]
There is a real intensity and sense of purpose to both these two new operas |
| 4 Sep 12 / The Stage |
A fine new double bill by Scottish Opera and Music Theatre Wales |
| 2 Sep 12 / The Observer |
Louise Welsh's text is over-wordy and ridden with cliches |
| 1 Sep 12 / The Guardian |
Both works are well worth hearing and seeing |
| 1 Sep 12 / Telegraph |
The Lady from the SeaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
The Lady from the Sea looked more substantial than it sounded |
| 10 Sep 12 / Independent on Sunday |
Scottish Opera brings new opera to the Edinburgh Festival |
| 5 Sep 12 / The Opera Critic |
The Lady from the Sea offers obvious operatic potential |
| 4 Sep 12 / Financial Times |
more reviews [+]
There is something in here, struggling to get out |
| 4 Sep 12 / The Stage |
A first-rate production of Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea by Scottish Opera |
| 31 Aug 12 / Telegraph |
Armstrong’s soundscape is minimal yet lush |
| 31 Aug 12 / Independent |
It just all never engages in the way that any opera based on such a source should |
| 31 Aug 12 / The Guardian |
ClemencyScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
An intense, profound experience |
| 5 Sep 12 / The Opera Critic |
Clemency never quite lives up to its promise |
| 4 Sep 12 / The Stage |
Cavalleria RusticanaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Scottish Opera's celebration of its 50th anniversary was very appropriate |
| 8 Jun 12 / The Herald |
Scottish Opera celebrates its 50th birthday |
| 7 Jun 12 / The Guardian |
ToscaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Scottish Opera’s Tosca Ccontinues to excite |
| 2 Jun 12 / Seen and Heard |
Anthony Besch's production returns like an old friend |
| 28 May 12 / The Opera Critic |
It was a treat to have this Tosca back |
| 25 May 12 / Edinburgh Guide |
more reviews [+]
Tosca triumphs at Scottish Opera |
| 10 May 12 / stv |
Stars shine on Tosca revival |
| 6 May 12 / The Herald |
The Rake's ProgressScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
As joyous and accomplished as one could hope for |
| 27 Apr 12 / The Journal |
A stylish and meticulous Rake's Progress |
| 1 Apr 12 / The Opera Critic |
There is a real sense of mischief in the production |
| 31 Mar 12 / The Scotsman |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera has done it proud |
| 28 Mar 12 / Telegraph |
In McVicar’s new staging, The Rake seems more than ever a work of sharp contemporary relevance |
| 27 Mar 12 / Opera Britannia |
Stravinsky's morality tale is given a spirited and purposeful reading by singers and orchestra alike |
| 25 Mar 12 / Independent |
An eye-pleasing opera |
| 20 Mar 12 / Financial Times |
Death haunts Scottish Opera’s The Rake’s Progress |
| 20 Mar 12 / Seen and Heard |
A visually flamboyant realisation |
| 19 Mar 12 / The Stage |
A triumphant production |
| 19 Mar 12 / The Herald |
The stylised cool allows McVicar to be at once sharp and extreme |
| 19 Mar 12 / The Guardian |
Hansel und GretelScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Hansel and Gretel in times of austerity |
| 20 Feb 12 / The Opera Critic |
Scottish Opera offers family-friendly Hansel and Gretel |
| 20 Feb 12 / Seen and Heard |
An ideal starting off point for youngsters into the wonderful world of opera |
| 16 Feb 12 / Edinburgh Guide |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera, shorn of a full-time orchestra and chorus, demonstrates it can still boast high musical standards |
| 8 Feb 12 / Financial Times |
Nostalgic adults in the audience loved it all |
| 7 Feb 12 / Telegraph |
This is Hansel and Gretel for the very faint-hearted |
| 7 Feb 12 / The Guardian |
A joyful production |
| 7 Feb 12 / The Stage |
The music is delicious from beginning to end |
| 7 Feb 12 / Opera Britannia |
associated articles [+]
Scottish Opera’s Hansel and Gretel a sweet yet nourishing delight
Scottish Opera’s latest production is perhaps an unusual choice but the fairytale confection of Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck (not that one) has a deeper human element.
Scottish Opera’s latest production is perhaps an unusual choice but the fairytale confection of Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck (not that one) has a deeper human element.
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News & Articles
| Scottish Opera announces 60th anniversary season for 2022/23 |
Scottish Opera has unveiled its 2022/23 Season which includes four new main stage productions, with one of the four an outdoor community opera. |
| 19 May 2022 / Scottish Business News |
| Scottish Opera withdraws nomination for Sky Arts Award |
The Scottish Opera has withdrawn its nomination for a Sky Arts Award for its production of Nixon in China after being criticized for its use of 'yellowface' makeup, The Times reports. |
| 14 Jun 2021 / Broadway World |
| Scottish Opera announces Spring/Summer season |
Scottish Opera’s forthcoming season includes two specially made films, along with plans to bring live opera back to audiences with outdoor performances in the summer. |
| 15 Apr 2021 / Opera Now |
| Scottish Opera reveals plans to stage 200 'pop-up' shows |
Scottish Opera has revealed plans to stage more than 200 outdoor performances for around 12,000 people across Scotland as it emerges from lockdown restrictions. |
| 8 Apr 2021 / The Scotsman |
| Singing in the rain |
Scottish Opera is beginning live performances again with a string of pop-up shows across the country - with musicians behind screens and singers staying three metres apart. |
| 6 Sep 2020 / BBC News |
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