Opera Scotland

Taming of the Shrew 1880Carl Rosa Opera Company

Read more about the opera Taming of the Shrew

The Shrew is an opera that is rarely performed, but seems to be widely admired, so perhaps it should be dusted down.

The first of two performances in Scotland was ruined by the problems faced by the tenor. Fred Packard was clearly out of voice when the performance started. He eventually withdrew and the first act continued, heavily cut. Eventually the part was taken by Gilbert Betjemann from the music staff - a conductor and director, rather than a singer, but at least the performance was rescued.