Throughout 2020, Scottish Opera has been taking a closer look at a number of productions in the Spotlight On… series. From Anthony Besch’s beloved Tosca, first performed in 1980, to Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers and Bernstein’s Candide, Spotlight On…includes interviews with cast members and creatives, and a glimpse behind-the-scenes of some of Scottish Opera’s most iconic productions.
This month we turn our attention to a past production of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, which took place at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in the South of France in 1978. STV captured the preparations and rehearsals for the performances in a compelling behind-the-scenes film, which is available to watch free from the STV archive until 14 December on the Scottish Opera website.
Spotlight On…Dido & Aeneas also features an exclusive interview with legendary mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker, in which she discusses the complexities of performing the role of Dido, and swapping the unpredictable Scottish weather for the heat of the South of France. Dame Janet also speaks about her special relationship with Scottish Opera during her successful career as an internationally acclaimed opera singer.
You can find out more about Dido & Aeneas and watch the STV documentary here.