This week sees the launch of the brand new Opera Festival Scotland.
After a couple of years of delay, I’m pleased to see the festival finally going ahead, as it brings together something that is unique and exciting.
I was involved in the early promotion of Opera Festival Scotland through Dundee Culture when it was planning to go ahead in 2020 but of course, Covid changed everything.
I had a few meetings with one of the top organisers of the festival, Michael Jamieson, where we had some comprehensive conversations about it.
I think what will make the event particularly exciting is the fact it breaks down the stereotypes of opera.
I remember Michael telling me that there is a sense that people believe opera is for wealthier people, but he said that wasn’t the case – and he is right.
Opera is for everyone, not just the wealthy
Opera combines music and theatre together, and it fascinates me because it can be entertaining for everyone, regardless of age or background.
There are events happening during the festival aimed specifically for young people (Young Artist’s Singing Competition) and people from different backgrounds (Non-professional 30+ Singing Competition).
Events like these give festivalgoers the opportunity to taking part in something that brings all sorts of people together through a shared love of music and theatre.
The festival holds a lot of educational opportunities too, with talks and events being organised which looks at the history of opera in Scotland, helping to support young people to learn about it.
It promises to be a brilliant springboard for children who might want to get involved in opera.
And if the people of Dundee needed more of a sign that this is an event for them, they need only look at the festival’s main venue.
The Caird Hall is a great choice for what the festival’s hoping to achieve.
It’s a place that has brought music lovers together in Dundee for nearly a century, so launching a new music festival at such a historic site is very fitting as its 100th anniversary approaches next year.
Aida returns to Dundee
One of the highlights which shouldn’t be missed at the festival is the return of Verdi’s Aida, which hasn’t been performed in Dundee in 20 years – a must-see.
As I’ve said, I believe this is for everyone and it brings so many exciting things to Dundee – building on our reputation as a city of culture, music, and arts.
For those who might not believe opera is for them, why not head on down, take a friend and experience it for yourself? Who knows, you might leave with the urge to watch more or even better, take part in it.
Community spirit is something that all good festivals strive for, and I love that there are many organisations across the city supporting the event to make it the best it can be.
I hope it will ultimately become a permanent feature of our already long list of fantastic festivals.
So let’s all welcome Opera Festival Scotland with open arms when it kicks off in Dundee this week.
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