Best Scottish Opera Productions of the 2024/25 Season
This 2024/25 season for ‘Scottish Opera’ has been a great success with stand-out performances, innovative productions, and exuberant costumes and sets across all 24 venues in Scotland.
With close to 100,000 viewers throughout the year, Scottish Opera is evidently as popular as it has ever been, with each of the 13 productions contributing notable offerings. However, from my experience, there were three standout operas from the season.
1. Don Pasquale
This isn’t the first time Scottish Opera has put out an updated version of Donizetti’s 1893 comedy, but this is arguably the best out of the two. This is down to the masterful singing and acting from the overall cast, especially from David Stout in the title role.
It was able to convey Don Pasquale’s greed and lust through brilliant comic relief supported by a memorable trombone solo and the colourful set design.
I interviewed audience members after the show and received more than positive responses: “I think this is an incredibly charming production, beautifully sung, lovely ensemble work.”
Another said: “I can relate my own coming of age and my teenage angst to what happened there with the main characters.”
Another audience member added: “David Stout was absolutely marvellous.”
2. The Makropulos Affair
By Mihaela Bodlovic
Janáček’s The Makropulos Affair is directed by Olivia Fuchs, who brings life and colour to this tragic tale. With a cast led by the talented Martyn Brabbins, who plays the magisterial Emilia Marty, this Czech opera became one of the season’s best.
This thrilling mystery follows Martyn’s interference in a court case whilst searching for a formula that gives her more life. The costume department thrives in transporting the audience across eras of time and a set design that stands out in the second act when rose petals start to fall from the ceiling.
Audience members said: “It was a beautiful story that felt timeless”
“Costumes were stunning, but the red dress was a stand-out.”
“Funny, clever and passionate.”
This production was well worth watching and has become a triumph here in Scotland.
3. Oedipus Rex
By James Glossop
Igor Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex is a stand-out opera this session as it was performed at the Grand Gallery at the National Museum. This ambitious and unique setting brought to life the ancient city of Thebes.
The protagonist Oedipus is played by Shengzhi Rex, who crafts a worthy performance and perfectly portrays his character’s fight with destiny.
The conductor Stuart Stratford deserves all the credit for creating a community between the audience and performers and bringing a chorus that successfully dramatized the fall of Oedipus.
The decorations and the idea of making the performers stand on plinths and dress in white tunics to look like statues was ingenious.
Receiving 4 stars from ‘The Telegraph’ and ‘Bachtrack’ this operatic performance deserves to be on everyone’s list for the best of the 2024/25 session.