Scottish Opera - Glasgow | 3 May 2024 |
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Performance reviews
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Marx in London!Scottish OperaNo. of reviews: 10 |
A labored production that fails to capture the comedy of Dove & Hart’s work |
2 Mar 24 / OperaWire |
The humour of history made manifest |
24 Feb 24 / The Arts Desk |
Madness, mayhem and Marx |
24 Feb 24 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera’s Marx in London! in Glasgow is more reminiscent of a Marx Brothers farce |
20 Feb 24 / Seen and Heard |
A sumptuous and entertaining production |
19 Feb 24 / The National |
A day in the life of the father of communism is full of laughs in Scottish Opera’s new production of Jonathan Dove’s buoyant farce |
18 Feb 24 / The Observer |
Scottish Opera’s magnificent Marx in London! demonstrates a creative synergy that’s all-consuming |
16 Feb 24 / The Scotsman |
A vibrant, farcical night at the opera |
15 Feb 24 / West End Best Friend |
Dove’s opera is capital entertainment |
15 Feb 24 / The Guardian |
Dove's comedy impresses at Scottish Opera |
15 Feb 24 / Bachtrack |
Hansel und GretelScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 1 |
A Christmas treat |
20 Dec 23 / The Opera Critic |
DaphneScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 6 |
White roses haunt Scottish Opera’s enthralling Daphne |
13 Dec 23 / Bachtrack |
A remarkable success for the Scottish premiere of Richard Strauss’s Daphne in Glasgow |
10 Sep 23 / Seen and Heard |
Hye-Youn Lee was utterly magnificent in the title role |
9 Sep 23 / The Scotsman |
more reviews [+]
The music from start to end is utterly delightful, an absolute treat for the ear |
7 Sep 23 / The Reviews Hub |
Scottish Opera’s semi-staged Strauss is in masterly hands |
7 Sep 23 / The Guardian |
A powerful performance of this Richard Strauss rarity |
7 Sep 23 / The Opera Critic |
Il barbiere di SivigliaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 5 |
A highly entertaining revival of Thomas Allen's witty production |
7 Nov 23 / The Opera Critic |
Making opera fun again |
26 Oct 23 / Brig Newspaper |
Scottish Opera's revived Rossini on tour with much-needed comic relief |
22 Oct 23 / The National |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Barber of Seville packed with fun |
21 Oct 23 / Bachtrack |
Scottish Opera’s refreshed production of The Barber of Seville’s goes for belly laughs – and gets them |
19 Oct 23 / The Scotsman |
CarmenScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 6 |
An emotionally powerful performance |
12 Jun 23 / The Opera Critic |
A blistering production of a classic opera |
11 Jun 23 / West End Best Friend |
Fulljames' police thriller Carmen closes Scottish Opera season |
19 May 23 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
There are plenty of good ideas in this reimagining of Carmen |
16 May 23 / The Scotsman |
Shimmering principals |
16 May 23 / The Stage |
A true-crime thriller with an uneasy heroine |
15 May 23 / The Guardian |
Il tritticoScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 |
Scottish Opera's Il Trittico is propelled by thrilling performances and imaginative design |
30 Mar 23 / The Skinny |
A night to remember |
26 Mar 23 / The Opera Critic |
Scottish Opera’s new Puccini triple bill is a triumph with an outstanding debut by soprano Sunyoung Seo |
18 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera’s vivid new staging has humour and heartbreak |
14 Mar 23 / The Guardian |
David McVicar’s new production of Puccini's trio of one act operas is a triumph |
14 Mar 23 / The Scotsman |
Scottish Opera triumphantly rises to the challenge of Puccini’s three one-acters |
14 Mar 23 / The Stage |
Sir David McVicar's new Trittico a triumph for Scottish Opera |
14 Mar 23 / Bachtrack |
associated articles [+]
Karen Cargill
‘Scottish Opera always feels like an incredibly special place to be’
‘Scottish Opera always feels like an incredibly special place to be’
AinadamarScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 8 |
Scottish Opera makes a strong case for Ainadamar |
15 Nov 22 / The Opera Critic |
Vibrant and deft production brings Golijov’s opera to the UK |
5 Nov 22 / The Guardian |
Flamenco meets opera in this stirring and sensuous production of Golijov's Lorca fantasia |
4 Nov 22 / The Arts Desk |
more reviews [+]
A total (and often gripping) theatrical experience |
4 Nov 22 / The Spectator |
The whole production is a spellbinding unification of opposites |
1 Nov 22 / The Scotsman |
Astonishingly accomplished |
1 Nov 22 / The Stage |
Deborah Colker gives Golijov's Ainadamar energetic grit at Scottish Opera |
1 Nov 22 / Bachtrack |
In the principal roles, Scottish Opera continues to demonstrate its deft hand in casting |
31 Oct 22 / The Herald |
ThérèseScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Justina Gringyte is a powerful Thérèse |
13 Sep 22 / The Opera Critic |
Deliciously over-the-top drama puts the soap into opera |
13 Sep 22 / The Guardian |
The performers in this Scottish Opera production embodied the lead roles as if their lives depended on it |
12 Sep 22 / The Scotsman |
CandideScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 |
An electrifying, immersive thrill |
19 Aug 22 / The Spectator |
Voltaire and Bernstein enter the social media era |
15 Aug 22 / The Guardian |
A hard-hitting, all-action version of Voltaire’s Candide |
15 Aug 22 / The Scotsman |
Don GiovanniScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Betrayal. Deceit. Deception. |
8 Jun 22 / The Opera Critic |
Sir Thomas Allen directs a delightful Don Giovanni at Scottish Opera |
24 May 22 / Bachtrack |
Despite being a musical experience worth celebrating, this is a theatrical opportunity missed |
20 May 22 / The Scotsman |
Utopia, LimitedScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 4 |
A classy send-up of British values |
4 Apr 22 / The Guardian |
British politics gets a knocking in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Utopia, Limited from Scottish Opera |
11 Nov 21 / Seen and Heard |
Sophistication and wit are at the heart of Utopia, Limited |
8 Nov 21 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Utopia, Limited proves surprisingly timely in rare Scottish Opera revival |
22 Oct 21 / Bachtrack |
The Miserly KnightScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Russian opera double-bill sees Scottish Opera shine |
22 Mar 22 / The Guardian |
An entertaining evening of Rachmaninov and Stravinsky |
21 Mar 22 / The Opera Critic |
MavraScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Russian opera double-bill sees Scottish Opera shine |
22 Mar 22 / The Guardian |
An entertaining evening of Rachmaninov and Stravinsky |
21 Mar 22 / The Opera Critic |
A Midsummer Night's DreamScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 5 |
Scottish Opera triumphs with nightmarish take on Britten |
4 Mar 22 / The Guardian |
Enchantment, glee and fresh voices are well met in Scottish Opera’s winning new production of Britten’s opera |
27 Feb 22 / The Observer |
Theatre meets opera in delightful Midsummer Night’s Dream at Scottish Opera |
25 Feb 22 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Dominic Hill directs a bright and fresh adaptation of Benjamin Britten's opera which puts the focus on youth |
25 Feb 22 / The List |
Dominic Hill’s riveting and highly original production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a triumph |
24 Feb 22 / The Scotsman |
The GondoliersScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 |
A witty, yet upbeat and uplifting piece with stellar visuals |
14 Nov 21 / The Reviews Hub |
Venetian excellence in Edinburgh from Scottish Opera in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers |
10 Nov 21 / Seen and Heard |
As effervescent as prosecco |
1 Nov 21 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Scottish Opera opens the new season with an outstanding production of The Gondoliers |
24 Oct 21 / Seen and Heard |
Scottish Opera's spectacular Gondoliers bump starts its new season |
19 Oct 21 / Bachtrack |
A picture-postcard Gilbert and Sullivan from Scottish Opera |
18 Oct 21 / The Guardian |
Scottish Opera brings Venetian comedy to the stage |
18 Oct 21 / The National |
Così fan tutteScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Scottish Opera’s Così fan tutte is a triumph thanks to its six sparky soloists |
11 Sep 21 / The Scotsman |
FalstaffEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 |
Much to enjoy in Scottish Opera’s new Falstaff at the Edinburgh International Festival |
14 Aug 21 / Seen and Heard |
Despite some strong solo performances, Scottish Opera’s Falstaff fails to raise many laughs |
10 Aug 21 / The Scotsman |
Scottish Opera’s Falstaff delights at the Edinburgh International Festival |
10 Aug 21 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
A lively Falstaff deserving of a full house |
10 Aug 21 / The Opera Critic |
associated articles [+]
Sir David McVicar returns to Scottish Opera with new Falstaff
McVicar clearly demonstrates his palpable passion for his forthcoming staging of Verdi’s last opera Falstaff, which he is directing in a co-production for Scottish Opera and Santa Fe Opera in the United States.
McVicar clearly demonstrates his palpable passion for his forthcoming staging of Verdi’s last opera Falstaff, which he is directing in a co-production for Scottish Opera and Santa Fe Opera in the United States.
FalstaffScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 |
This extraordinary new production of Falstaff is the perfect way to celebrate this optimistic moment for the arts |
15 Jul 21 / The Scotsman |
A spectacular Verdi brings colour after the lockdown gloom |
15 Jul 21 / The National |
Pranks and pathos as Scottish Opera’s Verdi shines |
6 Jul 21 / The Guardian |
L'elisir d'amoreScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Filmed Donizetti comedy is an operatic masterclass |
20 Jun 21 / The National |
Hansel und GretelScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 4 |
An unsure tone with energised performances |
17 Feb 21 / iNews |
A fairytale for times of Covid |
15 Feb 21 / The National |
Fairytales in Scotland |
15 Feb 21 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
A little touch of magic in Scottish Opera's Hansel and Gretel |
11 Feb 21 / Bachtrack |
Così fan tutteScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 4 |
Cleverly played as a gameshow without flogging the idea |
20 Dec 20 / The Observer |
Eine Liebesshow |
16 Dec 20 / Bachtrack (German) |
Mozart’s farcical opera buffa reimagined as a manipulative TV-style reality game show. |
15 Dec 20 / The Scotsman |
more reviews [+]
Am-dram props and loose directorial ends don't faze a team of fine young singers |
15 Dec 20 / The Arts Desk |
The Diary of one who has DisappearedScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 2 |
A disappearing hero in Glasgow |
28 Sep 20 / Planet Hugill |
Locked down by loyalties? Janáček’s Diary at Scottish Opera |
22 Sep 20 / Bachtrack |
La bohèmeScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 5 |
Scottish Opera return to live performance with a five-star La bohème |
9 Sep 20 / The Scotsman |
Scottish Opera's Covid-safe Puccini is a triumph |
8 Sep 20 / The Guardian |
A production that lays bare the emotional heart of society in crisis |
7 Sep 20 / The Herald |
more reviews [+]
Consumptive Bohemians in a car park – perfect for a pandemic |
7 Sep 20 / Telegraph |
Top-quality cast and players put on a potted version in a parking lot |
7 Sep 20 / The Arts Desk |
associated articles [+]
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.
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.
Nixon in ChinaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 8 |
History recreated from the archives |
3 Mar 20 / The Opera Critic |
Strong soloists, chorus, and orchestra are the pluses of Scottish Opera’s Nixon in China |
2 Mar 20 / Seen and Heard |
Stylish, powerful Nixon in China from Scottish Opera |
25 Feb 20 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
A gripping human drama |
24 Feb 20 / The Observer |
A contextualised history lesson for everyone, cast included |
22 Feb 20 / The Scotsman |
One of the most rewarding and thought-provoking evenings that will be available in any theatre this year |
20 Feb 20 / The Herald |
This subtle, intelligent modern opera is still entrancing |
20 Feb 20 / Telegraph |
Slick update for tale of Tricky Dicky's schmoozing |
20 Feb 20 / The Guardian |
IrisScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Mascagni's Iris well worth the effort |
6 Dec 19 / The Opera Critic |
Hugely popular in its day, Iris is full of musical highlights |
3 Dec 19 / The Herald |
ToscaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 7 |
A comprehensive production |
24 Nov 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Breathing new life into Tosca |
18 Nov 19 / The Opera Critic |
A revival of its popular Tosca opens Scottish Opera’s season in Glasgow magnificently |
30 Oct 19 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Natalya Romaniw an exciting Tosca in Scottish Opera’s powerful revival |
29 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
Natalya Romaniw plays the pious and passionate Tosca with tremendous anguish and outrage |
21 Oct 19 / The Herald |
Roland Wood is a terrifying Scarpia; the whole cast vocally exhilaring |
19 Oct 19 / The Scotsman |
Scottish Opera's opulent staging still has plenty to say |
18 Oct 19 / The Guardian |
ZanettoScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Swooning melodies, colour and wit |
26 Sep 19 / The Guardian |
Neither performer really made a compelling case for further performances |
24 Sep 19 / The Herald |
Mascagni and Wolf-Ferrari double bill is a great success at the Lammermuir Festival |
23 Sep 19 / Seen and Heard |
Il segreto di SusannaScottish OperaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Swooning melodies, colour and wit |
26 Sep 19 / The Guardian |
The rich orchestration of the score was given a vigorous performance |
24 Sep 19 / The Herald |
Mascagni and Wolf-Ferrari double bill is a great success at the Lammermuir Festival |
23 Sep 19 / Seen and Heard |
Breaking the WavesEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 |
Missy Mazzoli’s opera based on Lars von Trier’s film triumphs in its European premiere |
25 Aug 19 / The Observer |
Von Trier's bleak drama feels lost in translation |
23 Aug 19 / The Guardian |
Troubling opera based on Lars von Trier’s film |
23 Aug 19 / The Stage |
more reviews [+]
Mazzoli’s luminous Breaking the Waves receives European premiere in Edinburgh |
23 Aug 19 / Bachtrack |
A ponderous new opera from Missy Mazzoli |
23 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
In Edinburgh Breaking the Waves restores faith in opera as an art form |
22 Aug 19 / Seen and Heard |
associated articles [+]
Missy Mazzoli: 'Breaking the Waves' deals with big ideas
Adapting Lars von Trier’s provocative 1996 film about faith and loyalty in an insular Scottish community was the first challenge. Bringing it to Scotland is the next.
Adapting Lars von Trier’s provocative 1996 film about faith and loyalty in an insular Scottish community was the first challenge. Bringing it to Scotland is the next.
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Performance schedule
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 |