Opera Scotland

Nozze di Figaro 1953Covent Garden Opera

Read more about the opera Marriage of Figaro

It is interesting to see that several of the major roles were double cast - a useful precaution in the event of winter cold, as seems to have happened here.

The clear novelty in these performances of Figaro is an early appearance by Joan Sutherland as the Countess. This is a role she would not pursue when she became an international superstar, following her appearance in Lucia di Lammermoor in 1959. 

However we can note from the attached programme in the OperaScotland collection that, for the Glasgow performance on 12 March, Sutherland was indisposed and replaced by the dramatic soprano Sylvia Fisher, a more established Australian artiste.

The role of Figaro would remain central to the career of Sir Geraint Evans over the next twenty years and more.

Adèle Leigh became a recognised star performer on the continent, singing the soubrette repertoire in operetta, especially in Vienna.  It is interesting to see her here singing both Cherubino, a part she had played for years, and Susanna, a greater challenge, on different evenings.

 

Covent Garden Opera in Scotland - 1953

Edinburgh Empire,  W/c Monday, 23 February:  Mon 23 Aïda;  Tue 24  Marriage of Figaro;  Wed 25  Tristan and Isolde;  Thu 26 Bohème;  Fri 27 Masked Ball;  Sat 28 m Bohème; Sat 28 e Trovatore.

Edinburgh cast as advertised; Glasgow from a programme in the OperaScotland collection.