News / Stout collaborates on opera
AN OPERA co-created by Shetland fiddler Chris Stout is to tour the isles later this year before heading to the central belt.
Hirda, a collaboration between Stout, classical composer Gareth Williams and playwright Sian Evans, will premeire in Mareel on 26 November before hitting country halls around Shetland.
The opera, which utilises local words and dialect, tells the tale of an actor who returns to the isles for the wedding of his brother. However, he soon discovers that he has an attraction to his sister-in-law.
The production will take place on November 27 in Haroldswick before heading to Vidlin a day later. The tour will conclude in Sandwick on November 29 before it takes to the stage in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The project was commissioned and produced by NOISE (New Opera In Scotland Events), with support from Creative Scotland and Shetland Arts.
Creative Scotland development officer Clare Hewitt said: “This is a great opportunity for Shetland communities to experience an exciting and original opera created for them, and to share it with audiences in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“We are delighted to support the fantastic creative team of artists, producers and performers who will bring Hirda to life.”
Meanwhile, Shetland Arts have confirmed two new music events due to take place in the coming weeks.
North American country acts Meaghan Blanchard and Amythyst Kiah will perform at Mareel on 28 July.
Blachard hails from Canada and she was asked to perform for Prince William and Kate on their honeymoon tour of Canada.
Kia meanwhile draws on influences from bygone decades, exuding a sound that dips into country and blues.
The event will be held in association with Perth’s Southern Fried Festival.
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