PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Pitlochry Festival Theatre in co-production with Scots Opera Project presents
DIDO AND AENEAS
Composer Henry Purcell
Libretto Nahum Tate
Scots Translation Dr Michael Dempster
Gaelic Translation Marcas Mac an Tuairneir
Director David Douglas
Dates: 31 August – 15 September 2024
Amphitheatre, Pitlochry Festival Theatre
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Scots Opera Project team up for a Scottish Gaelic and Scots Language version of the opera Dido and Aeneas.
- The production to feature a professional cast and community chorus
- Runs from 31 August – 15 September
- Press performance on Saturday 31 August at 5pm
Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Scots Opera Project team up for a Scottish Gaelic and Scots Language version of the opera Dido and Aeneas.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Scots Opera Project are set to join forces in late Summer to produce an exciting new Scottish Gaelic and Scots Language version of Henry Purcell’s baroque operatic masterpiece, Dido and Aeneas.
Performed from 31 August till 15 September in the charming atmosphere of Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s outdoor Amphitheatre, the opera recounts the Queen of Carthage’s love for the Prince of Troy, and her despair when he abandons her. Dido and Aeneas is one of Purcell’s foremost theatrical works. This beloved operatic gem includes stunning choruses, duos, trios, and the iconic aria ‘When I Am laid in Earth.’ The interpretation will blend professional opera singers with the powerful voices of a community company.
The Scots Opera Project is an award-nominated opera company. Appearances include live performances on BBC Radio Scotland’s Classics Unwrapped and STV’s The Riverside Show. In 2019, the company was nominated for both a Scots Language and a Scottish Gaelic Award in Arts and Culture for Dido and Aeneas.
Their productions have included Charpentier’s Actéon and The Descent O’ Orpheus Tae The Underwarl, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Handel’s Acis and Galatea. Together with the composer Alan Fleming Baird, the company created a new opera based on the life and works of the Paisley poet, Robert Tannahill. As well as a new operatic version of Robert Burns’ The Jolly Beggars. In 2022, they performed the Scottish Premier of Granville Bantock and Marjory Kennedy-Fraser’s The Seal-Woman.
Director and Music Director for Scots Opera Project David Douglas said:
“I am extremely honoured to collaborate on this exciting version of Dido and Aeneas with Pitlochry Festival Theatre. A standout feature of this production is the incorporation of Scots and Gaelic translations, infusing a fresh and vibrant Scottish flavour into the performance. Operas worldwide embrace native languages, and for Scotland, the use of Scots and Gaelic adds a unique perspective, captivating both performers and the audience. The outdoor performance promises an extraordinary experience, offering a new take on a well-known baroque masterpiece. Additionally, the inclusion of a community chorus alongside our stellar professional cast will breathe new life into Purcell’s enchanting ensembles, enhancing the overall richness of this opera.”
The production will feature Kilmarnock-based tenor David Douglas, Perthshire based soprano Coleen Nicoll, Edinburgh based Northern Irish soprano Emma Morwood; Glasgow based baritone Colin Murray and Stirling based Austrian mezzo-soprano Ulrike Wutscher and a community chorus.
Tickets and further information about Dido and Aeneas are available from the Box Office on 01796 484626 or online at pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com.
-Ends-
For all press interviews and review tickets please contact
Duncan Clarke PR : T 078808930 or E : duncanclarkepr@gmail.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
Press performance: Saturday 31 August at 5pm, Amphitheatre at Pitlochry Festival Theatre
CREATIVES
Pitlochry Festival Theatre in co-production with Scots Opera Project presents
DIDO AND AENEAS
Composer Henry Purcell
Libretto Nahum Tate
Scots Translation Dr Michael Dempster
Gaelic Translation Marcas Mac an Tuairneir
Director David Douglas
Chorus Director Colleen Nicoll
Musical Director Andrew Johnston
Performers: David Douglas, Colin Murray, Colleen Nicoll, Emma Morwood and Ulrike Wutscher and a community chorus
Listings:
Amphitheatre
Afternoon perf at 1pm
August: 31
September: 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15
Early evening perf at 5pm
August: 31
September: 7 & 14
Ticket prices: From £25
Box Office and group bookings: 01796 484626
email boxoffice@pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
Website: pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
Address: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port-Na-Craig, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5DR
Pitlochry Festival Theatre. A Theatre for Everyone. A Theatre for a Lifetime.
Since 1951, Pitlochry Festival Theatre has been the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire. Attracting over 100,000 visitors every year, we’re more than simply a place to come and see a show – we’re Scotland’s leading producer of musical theatre, a champion of ensemble practice and the country’s only rurally-located, major arts organisation. Our vision is to improve lives by sharing Pitlochry with the world and the world with Pitlochry. Our aim is to create life-enhancing experiences in our Theatre and its glorious eleven-acre campus that encompasses the magical Explorers Garden. In everything we do, we are committed to nurturing an exciting creative and cultural future for Scotland.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre is supported by funding from Creative Scotland and Perth & Kinross Council. It is also grateful to the many individual donors, trusts and foundations who continue to support the Theatre in its vision.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Address: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port Na Craig, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5DR
Box Office and group bookings: boxoffice@pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
Website: pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
Scots Opera Project
The Scots Opera Project is an award-nominated opera company. Appearances include live performances on BBC Radio Scotland’s Classics Unwrapped and STV’s The Riverside Show. In 2019, the company was nominated for both a Scots Language and a Scottish Gaelic Award in Arts and Culture for Dido and Aeneas.
Scots Opera Project credits include: Charpentier’s Actéon and The Descent O’ Orpheus Tae The Underwarl, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Handel’s Acis and Galatea. Together with the composer Alan Fleming Baird, the company created a new opera based on the life and works of the Paisley poet, Robert Tannahill. As well as a new operatic version of Robert Burns’ The Jolly Beggars. In September 2022, they performed the Scottish Premier of Granville Bantock and Marjory Kennedy-Fraser’s The Seal-Woman.
