The Scottish Chamber Orchestra began their 2010/ 2011 season with a thrilling performance last night at the Usher Hall of Mozart's two act opera Don Giovanni. Conducted by their Principal Conductor Robin Ticciati, the quality of the singing was superb. And despite the fact it was performed within the limitations of a concert stage, and with scores, nevertheless the singers, with sufficient choreography and improvised acting, imbued the opera with all the relevant passion it deserves.
The story of Don Giovanni incorporates all the emotions of a feisty tale. Revolving around the womaniser Don Giovanni - a thoroughly amoral character - the story, which incorporates much humour, involves intrigue; murder; the attempted seduction of innocent women and finally…retribution.
The role of the singers were performed by an international cast. The Austrian baritone Florian Boesch, who incorporated much humour into the role and whose magnificent rich voice fluctuated effortlessly between flippancy and disdain, sang the principal role, Don Giovanni. The English soprano, Susan Gritton played one of his admirers Donna Anna and her powerful voice soared at times to the rafters.
Vito Pirante, the Italian bass, was Leporello, the hapless servant. Kate Royal, the English soprano, was Donna Elvira, another of Don Giovanni's victims. Maximilian Schmitt, the German tenor was Don Ottavio.
Malin Christensson, the Swedish soprano, was Zerlina, another victim. David Soar, the English bass, was Masetto and Rafal Siwek, the Polish bass played the Commendatore.
With the Scottish Chamber Orchestra chorus and Ronald Schneider as the Vocal Coach, it was a great choice of cast for the voices created a beautiful sound, and blended perfectly in the duets; trios; quartets; quintets and sextets.
Robin Ticciati is developing a reputation with Opera and is indeed well-founded judging by his performance last night with the vocalists and orchestra and the concert was a marvellous introduction to the SCO's new season.