#ScottishOpera

Jun 18, 2020
2 min

Cooking Up A Storm: SWH! Previews Scottish Opera’s The Narcissistic Fish…

Tonight at 7pm Scottish Opera is premiering The Narcissistic Fish, a short film that is a collaboration between composer Samuel Bordoli, writer Jenni Fagan and filmmaker Antonia Bain. If you are missing Scottish Opera during lockdown (and I certainly am) then this is unmissable. If you aren’t yet familiar with the company’s work then this is the perfect place to discover what they do so well. Set in the kitchen of a Leith restaurant called The Narcissistic Fish, the opera tel

Mar 13, 2020
1 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #11: Associate Chorus Master, Susannah Wapshott…

For the latest of our podcasts in collaboration with Scottish Opera we spoke to Associate Chorus Master and repetiteur, Susannah Wapshott. Susannah joined the company in 2008, and there are few people better placed to give an insight and overview as to the workings of Scottish Opera. She discusses her various roles and the extensive collaboration involved. She also explains how her career has unfolded from a young age, her musical background and training, the challenges she h

Feb 21, 2020
4 min

Two Tribes: A Review Of Scottish Opera’s Nixon In China…

When Scottish Opera‘s 2019/20 programme was announced one production jumped out as particularly exciting and new – John Adams’ Nixon in China, the first time Scottish Opera has staged this modern classic. It is inspired by US President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China, a meeting which set a template for similar summits, from Reagan and Gorbachev to Trump and Kim Jong-un. Adams used this meeting, and the ages-old clash of cultures when east meets west, to try and go beyond

Feb 17, 2020
1 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #10: General Director, Alex Reedijk…

For the latest of our podcasts in collaboration with Scottish Opera we spoke to the company’s General Director Alex Reedijk, and it proved to be a fascinating conversation – one which adds extra context to all the other podcasts in the series. Alex talks about how he came to the role, the challenges faced when he joined 14 years ago, the four central strands that run through the company’s ethos, what he is most proud of from his time with Scottish Opera, and a whole lot more.

Jan 20, 2020
1 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #9: Emerging Artist, Arthur Bruce…

For the latest Scottish Opera podcast SWH! spoke to one of the company’s Emerging Artists, Arthur Bruce. The SO Emerging Artist programme is now in its 10th year, and, as Arthur explains, it is hugely important in developing and supporting all areas of opera, helping to ensure the future remains bright. He also discusses how his interest in opera began, his musical background, the challenges of acting, the productions he has been involved in, and why this programme has been s

Dec 31, 2019
3 min

Scots Whay Hae!’s Alternative Hogmanay Night In, 2019…

Once again Montgomery Scott raises a glass to see out the old year and ring in the new and that means it’s time for Scots Whay Hae!’s annual selection of New Year’s Eve treats. It’s an alternative to the Hogmanay telly, so if there’s little you fancy on the box there might be something here to your liking. 2019 saw the launch of BBC Scotland which, despite some initial concerns, became home to some terrific original programming as well as becoming the place to find Scottish f

Dec 2, 2019
3 min

Tokyo Storm Warning: A Review Of Scottish Opera’s Iris…

Scottish Opera’s Opera In Concert series is a musical highlight of any year, and their latest production at Glasgow’s City Halls was Mascagni’s Iris. These concerts are in many ways opera in the raw with the orchestra and chorus, conducted by Music Director Stuart Stratford, taking centre stage. This is an all too rare chance for the audience to see the dynamic of the orchestra in full effect, and it’s as fascinating as it is awesome. It’s also a chance to witness the power a

Nov 20, 2019
2 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #8: Music Librarian, Gordon Grant…

Gordon Grant in Scottish Opera’s Music Library For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera SWH! spoke to Gordon Grant, the company’s Music Librarian. What unfolds is a fascinating insight into a role which few consider when they think of opera but which, as you will hear, is a vital one. Crucially involved in productions from the very beginning to the final curtain fall, Gordon explains what the role entails, how he came to it, the importance o

Oct 25, 2019
2 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #7: Resident Stage Manager, John Duncan…

John Duncan backstage at The Magic Flute in Glasgow’s Theatre Royal For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera we spoke to John Duncan, the company’s Resident Stage Manager. Over the course of the conversation he provides a fascinating insight into a role which is vital to all theatre, but which rarely gets discussed. Recorded backstage at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal (so beware the passing fire engine) John talks about how he initially fell in lov

Oct 17, 2019
3 min

Passion Play: A Review Of Scottish Opera’s Tosca…

Every so often you go to an event where the excitement and anticipation among the audience beforehand is palpable, and that was the case at the opening night of Scottish Opera’s Tosca at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal. You could feel it building in the walk up to the doors and by the time the curtain was raised the atmosphere was electric. With such anticipation this Tosca had a lot to live up to but luckily for all of us it managed to and so much more. The stage in Act One was set

Oct 9, 2019
2 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #6: Staff Director, Roxana Haines

Roxana Haines. © Julie Broadfoot – http://www.juliebee.co.uk For the sixth in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera Ali spoke to Staff Director, Roxana Haines. It’s a fascinating and informative discussion with someone whose job brings her into contact and collaboration with most areas of the company. Roxana explains her professional journey, her training in theatre and how that translates to the specific demands of opera, her role in terms of productions

Sep 24, 2019
1 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #5: Head of Props, Marian Colquhoun

For the fifth in our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to Marian Colquhoun, the Head of Props. If you have ever been to a Scottish Opera performance, no matter the scale of the production, you’ll know what an integral, important, and creative part the props department have to play. Marian discusses her approach to the role, the collaboration with other departments, the joy in creating memorable moments, the demands of different productions, the practi

Sep 13, 2019
3 min

On The Road Again: A Review Of Scottish Opera’s 2019 Autumn Highlights…

The Scottish Opera Highlights tour has quickly become an annual musical must-see. Taking opera around the country, this season they go from Motherwell to Musselburgh with multiple stops in-between. This was the opening night at Motherwell Theatre and it had a lot to live up to as previous tours have been notable and memorable events. It clear from the get-go that there was no need for concern as this set of highlights may just be the most magical yet. From the beginning, with

Aug 25, 2019
4 min

SWH! Is 10…

Louise Welsh Jo Mango Nicola Meighan (or is it Roddy Frame?) Helen Sedgwick, Gabriella Bennett & Samuel Best Peter Ross Karn and Stuart David Ronnie Browne Pauline Lynch Charley Buchan, Jon Reid, & Shane Strachan Ali, Chris & Wesley Today (25/08/2019) marks the 10th anniversary of Scots Whay Hae!, making it the perfect time to thank all those who have supported and helped along the way. So – with a sharp intake of breath – thanks to every writer, poet, and publisher, who has

Jul 26, 2019
1 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #3: Programme Editor, David Kettle

For the third of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to the Programme Editor, David Kettle about his role and what it entails. He explains how he came to the job, the approach to writing a programme, the balance required between information and other articles and content, the collaboration required with the rest of the company, and much more. If you have ever wondered, or even if you haven’t, how Scottish Opera’s beautiful programmes are put togethe

Jun 27, 2019
1 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #2: Head Of Music, Derek Clark

For the second of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to the Head of Music, Derek Clark about his role and what the job entails. Derek talks about the how he came to the job, how it has changed over the years, and how it is essential to Scottish Opera. He discusses programming, collaboration, and the difference between approaching contemporary work and the classics. It’s a fascinating insight into the working life of someone central to Scottish Oper

Apr 4, 2019
2 min

The Scottish Opera Interviews #1: SOYC Artistic Director Jonathon Swinard…

For the latest podcast Ali headed to the home of Scottish Opera in central Glasgow to talk to Jonathon Swinard, the new Artistic Director of the Scottish Opera Young Company (SOYC) ahead of their production of Gluck’s Orfeo & Euridice (see right) at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock. Over the past few years Scots Whay Hae! has reviewed many of Scottish Opera’s productions so it was a pleasure to talk to someone at the heart of the company, especially one whose concentration