The Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society could hardly have chosen a more ambitious vehicle with which to celebrate their 50th season than this staging of Verdi's Otello. The fundraisers managed to encourage help from a multitude of local businesses and trusts. English National Opera permitted the use of the excellent translation created for them by Andrew Porter. Messages of goodwill were printed in the programme from the Society's patron, the Queen Mother, and a great Otello conductor, Sir George Solti. It also marked the final staging to be directed by veteran Charles Barron, and the last occasion on which Lady Aberdeen would conduct all performances.
The cast included the Australian tenor Anthony Roden in the title role, returning after his successful Grimes of 1993. Scottish soprano Rosalind Sutherland had been a finalist in the Cardiff competition. And the role of Roderigo brought a promising talent in the Scottish debut of a young Alfie Boe.
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