In Glasgow this summer, Scottish Opera (SO), is staging an outdoor promenade production of Leonard Bernstein’s satirical opera, Candide, and is appealing to members of the public from all walks of life to join the show’s community chorus.
There will be six performances, to be held in a purpose-built marquee tent of this vibrant and contemporary take on Bernstein’s work in August, with the community chorus members taking to the stage alongside a 150-strong cast that includes professional singers and a live orchestra.
The casting call is open to individual participants aged over 16, as well as family groups with children aged over 10 and with no experience required. SO is looking for anyone who enjoys singing, dancing or acting, or who wants to join a community project to make new friends and get to know Glasgow better. Free childcare facilities are available, and the rehearsal and performance spaces are fully accessible, welcoming participants of all abilities. Those taking part will be supported at all stages of the process, including by being provided with listening materials to make learning the music an enjoyable experience.
Candide, whose story that originally written in the 18th century by Voltaire and re- imagined by Leonard Bernstein, follows larger-than-life characters in chaotic adventures across Europe and South America. Is the chaos they encounter really the best of all possible worlds, or must they find simple happiness within themselves? Full of imagination and comedy, the production is updated for today’s global communities, mirroring the complex, heart-breaking, but ultimately life affirming stories that have moved and inspired people throughout history. As Candide is tossed between misfortunes on his travels, the story is particularly relevant to issues of displacement and refugees today.
The 2018 SO promenade production of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, staged in a huge, tented structure in Paisley, last featured a Community Chorus that was recruited from Renfrewshire and the surrounding areas, and performed side-by-side with a cast of international soloists, a professional chorus and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Full details about Candidewill be released in May.
For more information email communitychorus@scottishopera.org.uk by 7 April.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 