Scottish Opera would appear to do no wrong at the moment. Coming fast on the heels of its five-star full stage production of La Traviata, the company proves that even in miniature their productions are a triumph.
Each Pop Up Opera event features specially re-written versions of two much-loved classics. The first is A Little Bit of The Merry Widow by Lehár, arranged by Derek Clark with cleverly written words by Allan Dunn who also guides us through the evening’s events as our on stage narrator. Illustrations by Essi Kimpimäki provide mood and background detail.
“It’s the Parisian embassy of Pontevedro. A poor, but fiercely independent, little European state is throwing a grand party for the Grand Duke. Among the guests is Hanna Glawari, a widow with twenty million francs from her late husband, and the eyes of half of Pontevedro on her to make sure her fortune – by love or luck – stays in the country to boost its fortunes. But at such a lavish celebration full of champagne, good cheer, and many waltzes, her heart and hand are not the only love affairs underway…”
Our second production is A Little Bit of Don Giovanni, Mozart’s dark tale is also arranged by Derek Clark with words again by Allan Dunn.
“In 18th-century Venice, charismatic womaniser Don Giovanni sets his sights on the naive young Donna Anna. With deadly consequences when his plan goes wrong. After a lifetime of flirtation, can our roguish anti-hero escape the consequences of his actions? Packed full of dramatic fights and comedic misunderstandings, Mozart’s ever-popular opera mixes darkness and light in this thrilling tale of the ultimate reckoning.”
Accompanied by Sasha Savaloni on guitar and Andrew Drummond Huggan on cello , you would be forgiven for thinking there was a whole band of musicians rather than just this hugely talented pair playing.
Soprano Jessica Leary and Baritone Andrew McTaggart are first rate singers and their voices alone and in unison soar in this setting. It is a privilege to be this up close and personal with two singers at the height of their powers. The pair look as if they are having a ball too (as does narrator Dunn) and this carries through to the audience who leave on a high with these beautiful songs, beautifully sung ringing in their ears.
A small but perfectly formed production, and a must-see for opera lovers and those who want their first taste of opera alike.
