Così fan tutte: David McVicar returns in show of Faith and Fidelity

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Following the success of La traviata, internationally renowned Scot David McVicar directs his second Scottish Opera production this season - Mozart’s comic tale about faith and fidelity, Così fan tutte.

Scottish soprano Marie McLaughlin will sing the role of Despina, making a welcome return after last performing with the company in the early 1980s and enjoying an international career at opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Paris Opéra, Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Royal Opera House.

One of the most famous of Mozart’s collaborations with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, Così fan tutte is a tale of two men who set out to test the faith of their women. Set in the Bay of Naples in 1900, the production captures the beauty of the Mediterranean with fresh, sun washed sets by Yannis Thavoris, who also designed McVicar’s Madama Butterfly, seen in 2007, and elegant costumes from La traviata designer Tanya McCallin.

True to form, McVicar cuts right to the heart of the story with this bittersweet production, which was first presented by Opèra National du Rhin in 2005. With Marie McLaughlin the only cast member reprising her role from the Strasbourg production, McVicar is busy rehearsing a new ensemble of singers including: up and coming tenor Joel Prieto, who won Best Male in Placido Domingo’s international opera competition Operalia last year; Violet Noorduyn, returning after great reviews in Carmen in 2006; Finnish singer Ville Rusanen who makes his début with the Company; Scottish Opera regular Peter Savidge, last seen in Don Giovanni; and Caitlin Hulcup, who appeared in both Don Giovanni and Der Rosenkavalier. Swedish conductor Tobias Ringborg will conduct the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

The Company will also present Così fan tutte Unwrapped – an hour long, free introduction to opera – at each venue. Presented separately to performances, Unwrapped gives new audiences and interested opera attendees a fascinating chance to get a glimpse into the production and features excerpts from the opera by cast members and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

PERFORMANCE DATES 2008

Theatre Royal Glasgow
Wed 29 Apr, Sat 16, Thur 28 & Sat 30 May, 7.15pm
Sat 2 May, 2.15pm
Additional events
Fri 1 May, 6pm, Così fan tutte Unwrapped
Sat 16 May, 6pm, Pre-show Talk
Sat 30 May, 6pm, Touch Tour
Sat 30 May, 7.15pm, Audio Described performance

www.theatreroyalglasgow.com

Eden Court, Inverness
Thu 4 & Sat 6 Jun, 7.15pm
Additional events
Sat 6 Jun, 6pm, Touch Tour, Pre-show Talk
Sat 6 Jun, 7.15, Audio Described performance
Wed 10 Jun, 6pm, Così fan tutte Unwrapped
www.eden-court.co.uk

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
Thu 11 & Sat 13 Jun, 7.30pm
Additional events
Sat 13 Jun, 6pm, Touch Tour, Pre-show Talk
Sat 13 Jun, 7.15pm, Audio Described performance
Wed 10 Jun, 6pm, Così fan tutte Unwrapped
www.hmtaberdeen.com

Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Fri 19, Thu 25, Sat 27 Jun, 7.15pm
Sun 21 Jun, 4pm
Additional events
Thu 18 Jun, 6pm, Così fan tutte Unwrapped
Sun 21 Jun, 2.45pm, Audio Described performance, Touch Tour
Sat 27 Jun, 6pm, Pre-show Talk
www.eft.co.uk

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