Latest news with #PerthFestivaloftheArts
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
'A real show-stopper' - Review: Suor Angelica at Perth Festival
St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth Keith Bruce four stars The three steps up to a specially-constructed performance platform created in the middle of Perth Cathedral could not compete with the grand staircase that dominated Sir David McVicar's recent Scottish Opera staging of the central opera in Puccini's Il Trittico trilogy, but they were emblematic of the more compact success of Opera Bohemia's version in partnership with Amicus Orchestra. Douglas Nairne's production makes the fullest possible use of the venue, which is a new one for the festival with more open sight-lines than St John's Kirk and ample room for the orchestra, which was placed beyond the stage, with the singers often making their entrances from behind the audience. That device made the most of the reverberant acoustic for the choruses, while the instrumentalists, under the very attentive and often exuberant baton of Alistair Digges, always sounded in focus, with well-balanced wind soloists and a rich string sound. A couple of keyboards provide crucial extra sonic colour when required. Read more With simple costuming, stylish stage blocking, and minimal props, the tragic tale of Sister Angelica, rejected by her family for falling pregnant and estranged from her son, unfolds in classic story-book fashion, much of the work done by Puccini's masterly scoring. In soprano Jenny Stafford, who covered the role for English National Opera, Bohemia have a fine new recruit to the more familiar faces in the company. Absolutely on top of the part vocally, she avoids any melodrama in a performance of affecting sincerity, her aria when she learns of the death of her child a real show-stopper. Around her the women swiftly create the impression of a strict but mutually-supportive community into which Angelica's aunt, The Princess, steps as the embodiment of moral severity. Mezzo Louise Collett's nuanced approach to that role is as impressive, the latest of a series of fine performances for the company. Sioned Gwen Davies, Cheryl Forbes and Monica McGhee add important solo voices, and the ensemble of the ten women is the production's heart, suggestive of more rehearsal time together than was probably actually available. Although it is being seen elsewhere – including a performance on the Isle of Bute on Saturday - this is a contribution to Perth Festival of the Arts truly in the tradition of the bespoke opera productions of the event's earliest years, and it should set a template for the future.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Review: Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack: 'Perth Festival breaks new ground'
Perth Concert Hall PERFORMANCES by youngsters from across Perth and Kinross are always a thread running through Perth Festival of the Arts, but this may have been the first time they have featured in the event's closing concert. The young musicians topped and tailed a festival debut by trumpeter Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack, adding some Marvel and Pixar movie modernity to a programme that majored on Hollywood's earlier Golden Age. Anyone who expected the Brass Pack Cubs opening performance of The Avengers Theme to evoke images of Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg as John Steed and Emma Peel was living in the past. The nostalgia-fest came later, when Lovatt's unusually-configured ensemble took the stage and he and arranger and conductor Colin Skinner – and later vocalist Anne-Jane Casey – guided us through a programme that included music from My Fair Lady, Kiss Me Kate, Funny Girl and Chinatown amongst others. Informative though their words were, there were possibly rather more of them than the evening really required, even if the concept of Lovatt's band does need some explanation. Derived from a 1958 recording by Billy May, arranger of classic sessions for Frank Sinatra, it eschews saxophones in favour of French horns, tubas and a harp. Skinner – paradoxically a saxophonist himself – has mastered May's musical language with superb versions of Bidin' My Time, Young At Heart and (Love Is) The Tender Trap. Read more Those individual numbers were more successful than the medleys. In the set's opening Hollywood Overture, the scratch horn section, led by the BBC SSO's Lauren Reeve Rawlings, was not the only part of the band that took a while to get its intonation set, and the later John Williams tribute only showcased the Brass Pack's unique sound when it reached the Indiana Jones theme. Casey, for all her seasoned stage confidence, had a couple of lyrical slip-ups too, but dependably hit her stride for Don't Rain on My Parade. The fruit of workshops earlier in the day was the Pixar music, with Randy Newman's Toy Story hit You've Got A Friend In Me at its heart, bringing the professionals and the brass-playing school-pupils together at the evening's end. This was new ground for Lovatt and his team but clearly a direction they relish, and another indication that Perth Festival is heading confidently into the future.
The Herald Scotland
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
A masterly synthesis of old & new: Review: Perth Festival, Ora Singers
St John's Kirk, Perth The opening concert of this year's Perth Festival of the Arts was a festival debut for the Ora Singers, 18 unaccompanied voices under the direction of Suzi Digby, but the choir made such varied use of the fine acoustic of St John's Kirk they might have been based there. The programme, which drew an excellent first night audience for this year's event, was the now-familiar mix of Renaissance polyphony and contemporary responses to such early music, framed by the Miserere settings of Allegri and Sir James MacMillan. The former began the programme in a transept of the building with most of the choir then processing around the audience while an unseen quartet of voices answered them. Ora Singers conducted by Suzi Digby at St John's Kirk in Perth (Image: free) The theatre of that opening found further echoes throughout the evening, especially a central sequence where male voice plainchant, Alma Redemptoris Mater, preceded a sextet singing Cecilia McDowell's setting of the same text. That mirroring technique also ran through the programme, an Ave Marie by Victoria followed by Mark Simpson's, which is full of arresting chords and interesting rhythms and showcased the bedrock of lower male voices that is a real strength of this ensemble. Among the more familiar Marian Latin words, two settings of the Song of Solomon's Sicut Lilium, from Renaissance France (Antoine Brumel) and by John Barber were more unusual offerings, and they were preceded by Francis Poulenc, whose voice was, as always, singularly distinctive. Another outlier was the recent commission in the programme, An End Without End by Electra Perivolaris, who is based on the Isle of Arran and was mentored in Ayrshire by MacMillan. Her setting of 17th century Scots poet William Drummond was more fragmentary in style, using solo voices, duet, trio and quartet as well as larger ensemble. Read more Digby's direction of these details was light-touch, while she was very old-school in her conducting of works like Palestrina's Assumpta est Maria, which was all the better for her rigorous time-keeping. David Bednall's setting of the same text was another highlight, with ear-catching syncopations and a rich choral climax. The MacMillan, however, could be the only choice to end the concert, its masterly synthesis of old and new in a class of its own, and the point at the evening when the six sopranos of the Ora Singers demonstrated a sectional solidity not always evident earlier.
The National
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Things to do in Scotland this month, from gigs to book festivals
Livehouse Any new live music venue is worth celebrating. The new Livehouse in Dundee has a strong pedigree in history and in personnel and, being in the city centre, can only be a boost to nightlife. Livehouse is located in the former Green's Playhouse on Nethergate, which for many years became a Mecca Bingo until it closed in early 2024. The site was identified by developer Michael Carolan but the face of Livehouse will be Angus Robb, his partner and the man who has been responsible for similarly ambitious live music plans for Dundee, including the introduction of Fat Sam's Live venue when he owned the adjoining nightclub. Robb is canny enough to know the success of any venue is that it needs to be multi-purpose. 'We're making sure this is a flexible venue. Ultimately, it will have a capacity of more than 4000 but that's phase three. At the moment we can accommodate 2150 and then within two years we're looking at 3500 as phase two expands the top half of the building. 'There will be smaller events spaces, too, and Livehouse will be as attractive to the conference and awards ceremonies markets as live music.' With tours planned so far in advance it could be a wee while before it becomes a regular name on the itineraries but one-off events will show the venue's potential. The opening party happens on Friday, May 2, as Craig Charles arrives to christen the sound system with a night of funk and soul. (Image: Livehouse Dundee) Perth Festival of the Arts Every year Perth manages to provide a festival programme that is eclectic in the best possible sense. The headline of this year's 11-day extravaganza from May 22 to 31 is a rare appearance by Lenny Henry (Sir, if you like). Local boy Fred MacAulay will host the 'evening with', which looks back over Lenny's career and will also feature a Q&A. Sir Derek Jacobi will also be in attendance for an 'in conversation' event. The events happen between Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre – and between in the Concert Hall plaza is ARTay, a free exhibition featuring more than 100 Scottish artists, established and new talent. Perth also has an impressive classical music strand and this year the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will perform, as will Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack, with music from MGM Musicals and Hollywood movies. The comedy offering includes the Dad's Army Radio Show live on stage. Mods May Day On May 3 dig out your parkas and pack the talcum powder to smooth out those Northern Soul moves. It's all aboard the Ferry in Glasgow for a night of retro sounds with Target Street and the Square Gos playing not only Mod and Northern Soul but also Motown and Britpop. Get dressed up and ready to turn back the clock. Boswell Book Festival For those of us who like to delve into the lives of others, the Boswell Book Festival focuses solely on a wealth of biographies and memoirs. Named after the wonderful Ayrshire biographer James Boswell of Auchinleck, and taking place from May 9 to 11, writers as diverse as Andrew O Hagan to Helen Lederer to Pam Ayres to Rupert Everett will be at Dumfries House. The programme of events – talks, drama, art and music – is online. Orkney Folk Festival There's a good reason why Orkney Folk Festival keeps picking up awards, such as Event of the Year, at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The breadth and depth of a relatively short four-day programme from May 22 to 25 is impressive with 60 acts. Joining Orcadian musicians are traditional musicians from Canada, the US, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sápmi, England and throughout Scotland. Three Nights of CALM The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Charity does admirable work to help with mental health support and suicide prevention. You can support them – while also enjoying a great night out – at a series of special gigs over three nights in May. Tom Walker and Nina Nesbitt play in Edinburgh, Declan McKenna and Bradley Simpson in Stirling, and Nathan Evans and Caity Baser in Glasgow. Tickets are just £12.20 (the amount it costs to fund a call to their suicide prevention helpline). (Image: Jorja Smith) Jorja Smith One of the UK's finest young performers is coming to Glasgow to play the O2 Academy on May 26. Jorja Smith is still only 27 but she's been a central part of the British R&B and soul scene for almost a decade, when her debut single Blue Lights catapulted her into the public eye in a storm of critical acclaim. Don't miss the chance to see a proper star performer in such an intimate venue. An Evening with Louis Theroux One of the best known faces in broadcasting, Louis Theroux is a name that needs no introduction. However, at this special event in Aberdeen's Music Hall Louis turns from interviewer to interviewee, as he will be asked questions about his colourful career (and the even more colourful characters he has met along the way). Superfans can even book a VIP ticket, which includes a meet and greet session with the man himself. Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival This mammoth 17-day festival is held across various venues in Dumfries and Galloway between May 15 and June 1. Encompassing theatre, music, dance, comedy and spoken word, the festival will bring both local and national performing artists to villages and towns across the region.
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The events you need to know about across Scotland in May
Any new live music venue is worth celebrating. The new Livehouse in Dundee has a strong pedigree in history and in personnel and, being in the city centre, can only be a boost to nightlife. Livehouse is located in the former Green's Playhouse on Nethergate, which for many years became a Mecca Bingo until it closed in early 2024. The site was identified by developer Michael Carolan but the face of Livehouse will be Angus Robb, his partner and the man who has been responsible for similarly ambitious live music plans for Dundee, including the introduction of Fat Sam's Live venue when he owned the adjoining nightclub. Robb is canny enough to know the success of any venue is that it needs to be multi-purpose. 'We're making sure this is a flexible venue. Ultimately, it will have a capacity of more than 4000 but that's phase three. At the moment we can accommodate 2150 and then within two years we're looking at 3500 as phase two expands the top half of the building. 'There will be smaller events spaces, too, and Livehouse will be as attractive to the conference and awards ceremonies markets as live music.' With tours planned so far in advance it could be a wee while before it becomes a regular name on the itineraries but one-off events will show the venue's potential. The opening party happens on Friday, May 2, as Craig Charles arrives to christen the sound system with a night of funk and soul. (Image: Livehouse Dundee) Perth Festival of the Arts Every year Perth manages to provide a festival programme that is eclectic in the best possible sense. The headline of this year's 11-day extravaganza from May 22 to 31 is a rare appearance by Lenny Henry (Sir, if you like). Local boy Fred MacAulay will host the 'evening with', which looks back over Lenny's career and will also feature a Q&A. Sir Derek Jacobi will also be in attendance for an 'in conversation' event. The events happen between Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre – and between in the Concert Hall plaza is ARTay, a free exhibition featuring more than 100 Scottish artists, established and new talent. Perth also has an impressive classical music strand and this year the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will perform, as will Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack, with music from MGM Musicals and Hollywood movies. The comedy offering includes the Dad's Army Radio Show live on stage. Mods May Day On May 3 dig out your parkas and pack the talcum powder to smooth out those Northern Soul moves. It's all aboard the Ferry in Glasgow for a night of retro sounds with Target Street and the Square Gos playing not only Mod and Northern Soul but also Motown and Britpop. Get dressed up and ready to turn back the clock. Boswell Book Festival For those of us who like to delve into the lives of others, the Boswell Book Festival focuses solely on a wealth of biographies and memoirs. Named after the wonderful Ayrshire biographer James Boswell of Auchinleck, and taking place from May 9 to 11, writers as diverse as Andrew O Hagan to Helen Lederer to Pam Ayres to Rupert Everett will be at Dumfries House. The programme of events – talks, drama, art and music – is online. Orkney Folk Festival There's a good reason why Orkney Folk Festival keeps picking up awards, such as Event of the Year, at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The breadth and depth of a relatively short four-day programme from May 22 to 25 is impressive with 60 acts. Joining Orcadian musicians are traditional musicians from Canada, the US, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sápmi, England and throughout Scotland. Three Nights of CALM The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Charity does admirable work to help with mental health support and suicide prevention. You can support them – while also enjoying a great night out – at a series of special gigs over three nights in May. Tom Walker and Nina Nesbitt play in Edinburgh, Declan McKenna and Bradley Simpson in Stirling, and Nathan Evans and Caity Baser in Glasgow. Tickets are just £12.20 (the amount it costs to fund a call to their suicide prevention helpline). (Image: Jorja Smith) Jorja Smith One of the UK's finest young performers is coming to Glasgow to play the O2 Academy on May 26. Jorja Smith is still only 27 but she's been a central part of the British R&B and soul scene for almost a decade, when her debut single Blue Lights catapulted her into the public eye in a storm of critical acclaim. Don't miss the chance to see a proper star performer in such an intimate venue. An Evening with Louis Theroux One of the best known faces in broadcasting, Louis Theroux is a name that needs no introduction. However, at this special event in Aberdeen's Music Hall Louis turns from interviewer to interviewee, as he will be asked questions about his colourful career (and the even more colourful characters he has met along the way). Superfans can even book a VIP ticket, which includes a meet and greet session with the man himself. Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival This mammoth 17-day festival is held across various venues in Dumfries and Galloway between May 15 and June 1. Encompassing theatre, music, dance, comedy and spoken word, the festival will bring both local and national performing artists to villages and towns across the region.
