Opera Scotland

Eugene Onegin 1981Scottish Opera

Read more about the opera Eugene Onegin

The Pountney staging of Onegin was still beautifully fresh with a near-complete change of cast, and a talented pair of staff directors keeping an eye on things. The chorus dancing, with the nicely observed social differentiation between the two sequences - cosy birthday party and grand ball, remained an important element, along with Gibson's carefully-honed conducting.

Benjamin Luxon had first tackled this role a decade earlier, in Russian, on the Glyndebourne Tour which had stopped off in Edinburgh. It was one of his best parts.

Swedish guest Helena Döse was unlikely to get another chance to sing Tatyana in English, but had made the effort to relearn the part and gave a lovely performance. 

Patricia Price made an excellent impression in her only appearances in Scotland. 

Alexander Oliver, usually associated with character roles, had slimmed down significantly, and made an effective romantic tenor, with an authentic-sounding Russian tang to his voice. 

John Robertson and Roderick Kennedy also made a positive impression in unfamiliar parts.

Further dates to be confirmed.