THIS EVENT IS PART OF PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
A Celtic Folk Opera by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser and Granville Bantock
The Scots Opera Project makes its Perth Festival of the Arts debut with Marjory Kennedy-Fraser’s and Granville Bantock’s Celtic folk opera, The Seal-Woman. This opera, which was first performed in 1924, is based on the folk legend of the mythical Selkie and is inspired and created from songs of the Scottish Hebrides.
On an uninhabited islet in the Western Isles, an old crone or ‘Cailleach’ sings of local legends of seals that turn into mortal women. In this legendary tale of two worlds intertwined, The Seal-Woman features some well-known Scottish favourites, such as An Eriskay Love Lilt, The Seal Woman’s Sea Joy and Sea Sounds, making this the perfect opera for newcomers and seasoned opera goers alike.
The title role will be performed by former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist and BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competitor mezzo-soprano, Sioned Gwen Davies. The lovesick Islesman, who prevents The Seal-Woman from returning to the sea, will be played by Ayrshire tenor, David Douglas. Perthshire soprano, Colleen Nicoll will lament in her role as the heartbroken Seal-Sister, while the all-knowing Cailleach, originally performed by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser, will be sung by Austrian mezzo-soprano, Ulrike Wutscher. Completing the cast will be baritone Michael Longden, who will perform the role of the grieving Water-Kelpie. The production will be accompanied by pianist and current Britten-Pears Young Artist, Hebba Benyaghla.
The Scots Opera Project is a professional opera company who have performed live on BBC Radio Scotland’s Classics Unwrapped and STV’s The Riverside Show and in 2019, was nominated for both a Scots Language Award and Scottish Gaelic Award in Arts and Culture.
£20; Disabled/Unwaged/Students £17 (inc. £2.50 booking fee per ticket); Under 18s £5; Carers go free when accompanying the person they care for.
Running time: 140 minutes*
*times are approximate
