Opera Scotland

Fidelio 1974Scottish Opera

Read more about the opera Fidelio

This was the first revival of Peter Ebert's atmospheric production from 1970. Leonore and the Marschallin were the only roles that Helga Dernesch returned to during her years with Scottish Opera, and she also sang Fidelio in the opening season of the Theatre Royal. In this run, Margaret Kingsley was scheduled to sing the last three performances, but also sang one in Newcastle as a late replacement.

Newcomers to the cast included Charles Craig and Patricia Hay, singing their parts for the first time, and John Shaw and Richard Angas coming in to add stature to their vital roles. One benefit of the company's new scheme of employing ten salaried principals pays dividends, since, in addition to Pat Hay, the two solo prisoners were also sung by promising young soloists.