We are taking a look at all we accomplished in 2021 including three more On Screen operas, over 200 outdoor performances, over 50 indoor performances and multiple Education and Outreach programmes.
As lockdowns continued we ensured that our audiences remained entertained, adding to our Scottish Opera: On Screen collection with Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Donizetti's L'Elisir D'amore and Live in South Lanarkshire.
Margo Arsane in Live in South Lanarkshire. Scottish Opera 2021. Credit Beth Chalmers
The pandemic gravely impacted all segments of the performing arts and the lives of millions. However, in spite of the challenges presented we were delighted to make a return to live performance in June, firstly delivering Pop-up Opera to over 11,000 audience members, across 192 shows, at 46 locations.
Pop-up Opera audience. Scottish Opera 2021.Credit Paul Campbell
2021 also brought about the creation of Live at No.40, a celebration of performing arts alongside The Citizens Theatre and Scottish Ensemble. This is where we presented Sir David McVicar's 5 star Falstaff along with performances from The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and our Young Company's production of Kurt Weill's The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken. Receiving high praise from critics Falstaff was described by The Telegraph as 'joyous, hilarious and luxurious' and The Herald as a 'triumph', it has since been included in Artsdesk's Best of 2021 article.
Falstaff cast performing at Live at No.40. Scottish Opera 2021. Credit James Glossop
We were delighted to have the opportunity to return to Edinburgh International Festival for a live in person, indoor production of Verdi's Falstaff – our first time welcoming audiences back in theatres since the beginning of the pandemic. This marked the start of our indoor activity as our Opera Highlights tour was able to once again take to the road, travelling to nine venues across Scotland. We were also able to return to Lammermuir Festival and bring a live version of our Scottish Opera: On Screen Così fan tutte to the stage.
Michael Mofidian in Così fan tutte at Lammermuir Festival. Scottish Opera 2021. Credit Sally Jubb
In October, after an 18 month delay, we finally got to bring our truly joyous production of The Gondoliers to audiences in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. Later, our Opera in Concerts were also able to return with a mesmerising performance of Puccini favourites in Dundee.
The cast of The Gondoliers. Scottish Opera 2021. Credit James Glossop
Rounding off what was a busy year of activity we performed the magical Mr MacNeep Has Lost His Sheep for our littlest audience members. Throughout the year our Education and Outreach department also continued to reach our young audiences with primary school projects including Disney in Schools, The Brasketeers and Tiny Chef. Along with their programmes reaching out to wider communities with projects such as Breath Cycle helping sufferers of Long Covid.
Allan Dunn and Marie Claire Breen in Mr MacNeep Has Lost His Sheep. Scottish Opera 2021. Credit Sally Jubb
We are proud of all we have achieved in what was a challenging year for our industry and are grateful to each and every audience member who braved the elements, bought tickets and tuned in from their homes.
We’ve also produced our annual report from our 2020/21 financial year – take a look here.