Fochabers date for Opera Highlights performance

A PLAYLIST of operatic classics will be performed in Fochabers when Scottish Opera tours the country in the New Year.

Opera Highlights, which is back on the road on February 4, features four singers and a pianist from the national company performing a range of hits from the genre.

Set in a beautiful garden, director Roxana Haines’ production features works including Delibes’ Flower Duet, Vaughan Williams’ Blue Larkspur in a Garden and many more from the likes of Mozart, Lehár and Scottish Opera Composer in Residence, Samuel Bordoli.

She said: "After a successful Autumn tour, I am pleased to revive this Opera Highlights show, where the cast cordially invite you to a party on your doorstep.

"This spring we have a brand new cast to guide you through our story which takes place in luscious gardens and magical flora and fauna of opera.

"The stage has been set, decorations unpacked and the guests have all arrived but, the problem is we're still not sure whose party this is...

"As the evening progresses, the connections between our characters unravel through music from the likes of Handel, Donizetti and Mozart, and lighter pieces from Gilbert & Sullivan and Vaughan Williams as well as a new work by Samuel Bordoli.

"Prepare for an evening of charm, magic and love in all its operatic forms in a show that highlights the joy and absurdity of opera."

Scottish Opera 2019/20 Emerging Artist repetiteur Michael Papadopoulos is the pianist/music director, and is joined by soprano Zoe Drummond; mezzo-soprano Jade Moffat; tenor Andrew Irwin and baritone Arthur Bruce, The Robertson Trust's Scottish Opera Emerging Artist this Season.

The tour takes in 17 venues across Scotland, including Fochabers Public Institute on Tuesday, March 10 at 7.30pm, and tickets – www.scottishopera.org.uk – go on sale on December 11.

This Opera Highlights tour is supported by The Friends of Scottish Opera, JTH Charitable Trust and The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust.

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