Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Sir Andrew Davis Conductor

Royal Conservatoire Voices
Timothy Dean Chorus Master

Emily Birsan Anne Trulove
Andrew Staples Tom Rakewell
Gidon Saks Nick Shadow
Susan Bickley Baba the Turk
Catherine Wyn-Rogers Mother Goose
Peter Rose Trulove
Alan Oke Sellem
Ashley Riches Keeper of the madhouse

Given an offer of incalculable riches, country lad Tom Rakewell abandons his mundane existence and steadfast sweetheart Anne Trulove for a life of luxury and debauchery in the city – guided by the devilish Nick Shadow. Along the way he visits a London brothel, marries a bearded lady and squanders millions in a phony money-making racket – but will these bring him happiness, or chart a descent into doom?

Stravinsky’s darkly sparkling opera, with a text by poet W.H. Auden, is a musical homage to Mozart in its crisp, airy melodies and wry humour. It blends Stravinsky’s trademark neo-Classical wit and rhythmic verve with a poignant heart of touching emotion.

Renowned opera conductor Sir Andrew Davis directs the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a fine line-up of international soloists. Respected young British tenor Andrew Staples plays the dissolute Tom, the flamboyant South African bass-baritone Gidon Saks is his demonic companion Nick Shadow, and the accomplished young American soprano Emily Birson sings the ever-faithful Anne Trulove.

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