As part of the Opera in Concert series, Scottish Opera (SO) presents a selection of the Italian composer’s greatest hits under the title of The Verdi Collection. In early February, these will be performed at Glasgow’s at City Hall and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. These follow on from two performances of the concert in Aberdeen and Inverness last year.
A cast of internationally acclaimed singers bring numerous roles to life, capturing the breadth and drama of Verdi’s incredible array of popular operas that earned him the title of the ‘king’ of all Italian opera composers. The Orchestra of SO will be conducted by their Music Director Stuart Stratford along with a cast including Eri Nakamura, Peter Auty (Eugene Onegin 2018), Lester Lynch and Brindley Sherratt (Inês de Castro 2015), and Katherine Aitken.
Capturing the romance, passion and tragedy of Verdi’s works, the concert features a playlist from operas including La traviata, Un ballo in maschera, La forza del destino, Don Carlo and Otello. In an evening of dramatic storytelling this is a chance to hear some of the composer’s more iconic music, recognisable from numerous TV adverts and films.
Known for his beautiful melodies and powerful plots, complicated relationships sit at the heart of his operas, as the concert’s singers take on the variety of characters who often find themselves at dramatic odds.
SO Music Director Stuart Stratford said, “The Verdi Collection comprises some of the highlights of the composer’s middle and late period from La traviata, one of the most popular operas, to Don Carlo and Otello.
“The orchestra increasingly becomes more of an independent dramatic voice in his later works, with the sinister bassoon counterpoint in Otello and the golden aura of the cornets in Don Carlo striking examples of colour and character.
“We hope there is something in The Verdi Collection for everyone and that the great Italian master still surprises us today as he undoubtedly did when these works were first performed.’
Verdi’s prolific output was marked by many styles, themes, and stories in a career that spanned over 50 years. At the heart of all his operas are instantly recognisable characters and melodies that transcend time.
The Verdi Collection is supported by Friends of Scottish Opera and The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust.
Performance Dates are:
City Halls, Glasgow
10 February 2023, 7.30pm
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
11 February 2023, 7.30pm
Tickets are on sale now at www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/the-verdi-collection/
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 