Scottish Opera Young Company's Rubble
This July, audiences were captivated by Scottish Opera Young Company's world premiere Rubble, written by Scottish panto legend Johnny McKnight and composed by former Scottish Opera Composer in Residence Gareth Williams.
Directed by Scottish Opera staff director Roxana Haines, Rubble follows a group of young people standing amongst the debris of Findenterran Farm, until recently a children’s care home for those abandoned and forgotten in a broken system. As they pick through the shattered fragments of their childhood, they speak of what really went on in that largely ignored property on the outskirts of town.
Here's a selection of reactions from our Rubble audience members:
'An intensely moving emotional experience underpinned by a brilliant libretto and a sympathetic but challenging score. The performances were wonderfully calibrated. This opera and its challenging subject matter demanded mature and assured performances by the young cast who delivered in spades.'
'Rubble was incredibly moving, such a difficult subject matter handled with such maturity and dignity by the young cast. This is a performance that will stay with me for a very long time. Brava to all involved.'
'Spectacular, energetic performance. Hard hitting. Amazing score and choreography. Well done!'
'Many congratulations to all involved - it was beautifully performed by a very talented group of young people. They brought enthusiasm, courage and sensitivity to an incredibly difficult subject. Scottish Opera Young Company should be extremely proud of what they achieved.'
You can learn more about Rubble with the digital programme from the production, available here.
Bernstein's Candide
This August, audience members were blown away by our production of Bernstein's Candide at New Rotterdam Wharf in Glasgow. Directed by Jack Furness, Candide swept audiences along with the action and featured an 80-strong community chorus in partnership with Maryhill Integration Network, an organisation bringing asylum seekers, refugees, and settled inhabitants of Glasgow together through art.
The cast included Will Morgan (The Gondoliers 2022) in the title role, as well as Susan Bullock (Greek 2017), Ronald Samm (Pagliacci 2018) Jamie MacDougall (A Midsummer Night's Dream 2022), Paula Sides and many more.
Audiences have praised Tim Meacock's innovative designs, the clever staging by Jack Furness, and fact that the venue was not a traditional theatre setting. Also highlighted was The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, conducted by Stuart Stratford, and the hugely talented soloists and community cast. Here's a selection of reactions from those who came along:
'Originality, great music, fantastic cast and staging, amazing performance venue, totally immersive and hugely enjoyable!'
'A spectacular way to access opera.'
'The reviews seem to agree, that despite the world's biggest arts festival happening just 40 miles away, nothing in Scotland surpasses Scottish Opera's Candide. Scottish Opera is absolutely 'on fire' lately!'
'Superbly performed, fully immersive music theatre. An overwhelming emotional experience.'
'A wonderful fresh approach to Candide. (I saw it back in 1988 at the Theatre Royal and loved it).'
'One of the best experiences ever!'
'It was my first opera and it was fantastic.'
You can re-live our five-star production by reading the digital programme here.