COSÌ FAN TUTTE BRINGS ITALIAN GLAMOUR TO SCOTLAND THIS AUTUMN

2nd August 2015

Scottish Opera's new production of Mozart's Così fan tutte will bring a touch of 1950s Italian glamour, romance and comedy to 19 venues across Scotland.

Wick High School - Thu 15 Oct. 2015 7.30pm
For tickets see web site at -
https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/our-operas/15-16/cosi-fan-tutte

This stylish update of one of Mozart's best-loved operas is directed by former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Lissa Lorenzo (Platypus in Boots 2013, Anamchara: Songs of Friendship 2014 and Opera Highlights 2014) who transports the action from its traditional 18th century setting to Italy in the 1950s. This opera, a humorous, light-hearted tale of young love tricked into testing its fidelity, even includes a bit of "fiancee swapping", but Lorenzo intends to tease out the romance at the heart of the story:

‘We aim to give the audience a magical night of romantic comedy that they will treasure. We wanted to find a setting that would be an enticing backdrop for this story, but more than anything I want to honour the exquisite music that Mozart gave us, after all, it's the music that has captured people’s hearts ever since. As a Scot who is passionate about our remote communities and their cultural diversity, I have always celebrated Scottish Opera’s commitment to touring work. The Autumn tour is one of my favourites because I know just how important it is to culture lovers in these communities.’

When Don Alfonso wagers that he can prove all women are fickle, Ferrando and Guglielmo foolishly accept, convinced that their beloved fiancees could never be unfaithful. Pretending they have been sent to war, the men disguise themselves and each attempts to seduce the other’s wife-to-be. The women resist at first, but a bit of Don Alfonso’s meddling is enough to spark talk of a double wedding. As the chaotic confusion of the sham comes to an end and the deceit is brought to light, the question remains: who will end up with whom?

Mozart’s stunning music perfectly reflects the bright, witty nature of the storyline, while also capturing the tender, emotional essence of the tale. For this touring production, the original score has been adapted for piano accompaniment, making for an up-close-and-personal experience for audiences in smaller venues.

Designer Robbie Sinnott takes on the challenge of creating a beautiful yet adaptable set to be transported to a variety of venues ranging in size from theatres to village halls and high schools. The intricately detailed set and retro costumes will be designed to reflect 1950s Italian glamour at its best.

This year’s national tour showcases the talents of Scottish Opera Emerging Artists, past and present - some of the best young singers of their generation. The ensemble includes former Emerging Artist and winner of the John Scott Award 2015 soprano Rosalind Coad (Jenufa 2015), along with three of this year’s Emerging Artists, Emma Kerr, Jennifer France, and Ben McAteer. Joining them onstage are singers Sarah Champion, Trystan Llyr Griffiths and James McOran-Campbell. Music Directors Claire Haslin and Nicholas Fletcher will direct the performances from the piano.

Kicking off in Stirling on September 24, the team of cast and crew then travels across the highlands, islands and lowlands with the costumes, set, lighting equipment, props and piano in tow. Visiting 19 venues between September and November from Ayr to Orkney with Dundee, Elgin, Inverness, Greenock, Oban, Wick, Stornoway and many more in between, the tour embodies Scottish Opera’s commitment to making opera accessible to all in Scotland.

This production is sung in English.

Cast List

Fiordiligi Rosalind Coad
Dorabella Sarah Champion/Emma Kerr+
Ferrando Trystan Llyr Griffiths
Guglielmo Ben McAteer#
Don Alfonso James McOran-Campbell
Despina Jennifer France#

Creative Team

Music Directors/Pianists Claire Haslin & Nicholas Fletcher
Director Lissa Lorenzo
Designer Robbie Sinnott
Lighting Stephen Powles

Translation Martin Fitzpatrick

+ The Robertson Scholarship Trust Scottish Opera Emerging Artist
# Scottish Opera Emerging Artist


Performance Diary 2015

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling Thu 24 Sep 7.30pm
Victoria Halls, Helensburgh Sat 26 Sep 7.30pm
Gaiety Theatre, Ayr Tue 29 Sep 7.30pm
Tait Hall, Kelso Thu 1 Oct 7.30pm
Gardyne Theatre, Dundee Sat 3 Oct 7.30pm
Elgin Town Hall Tue 6 Oct 7.30pm
Haddo House, Ellon Thu 8 Oct 7.30pm
Deeside Theatre, Aboyne Sat 10 Oct 7.30pm
Orkney Theatre, Kirkwall Tue 13 Oct 7.30pm
Wick High School Thu 15 Oct 7.30pm
One Touch, Eden Court, Inverness Sat 17 Oct 7.15pm
Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Thu 22 Oct 7.30pm
Byre Theatre, St Andrews Sat 24 Oct 7.30pm
The Beacon, Greenock Tue 27 Oct 7.30pm
The Corran Halls, Oban Thu 29 Oct 7.30pm
Macphail Theatre, Ullapool Sat 31 Oct 7.30pm
An Lanntair, Stornoway Tue 3 Nov 7.30pm
Plockton High School Thu 5 Nov 7.30pm
Linlithgow Academy Sat 7 Nov 7.30pm

For tickets see web site at -
https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/our-operas/15-16/cosi-fan-tutte