Essential Scottish Opera

Published Wednesday 18 January 2006 at 17:30 by Thom Dibdin

In Scottish Opera’s cash-strapped times the focus falls on what, in normal years, might be regarded as peripheral. Essential Scottish Opera is the company’s annual jaunt around Scotland’s smaller halls with four soloists, one pianist, a few minor costume changes and a low-key attitude to staging.

Yet with Derek Clark’s inspired choice of music and inventive, fluid direction from Dafydd Burne-Jones, there is nothing peripheral about the concept at all. It could even be the backbone of a successful opera strategy. For opera lovers it is a chance to hear new and varied works. For interested newcomers, it provides a glimpse of what all the fuss is about.

Musical choice is critical. Too many hits and it would become no more than a tasty snack, the operatic equivalent of tapas. But this programme, building from the familiarities of Mozart and Bizet through less well-known Handel, Purcell and Tchaikovsky to surprises from Adolphe Adam, downright modernity from Judith Weir and a cheeky encore from Noel Coward, is the equivalent of the tasting menu in a Michelin starred restaurant - without the expense. Presentation is vital, of course. Baritone Paul Carey Jones allows his voice to hint at its full power - in the confines of a 360 seat auditorium.

Soprano Edel Shannon provides glimpses of beautifully realised vocal runs and superb non-vocal creation of character. Mezzo-soprano Julia Riley and tenor Alexander Grove find wonderfully expressive depths to their vocal interpretations. Ian Shaw’s piano is constant but unintrusive. All told, a satisfyingly delectable treat.