The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Opera for this term is ‘Sir John in Love’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams it is an opera in four acts based on Shakespeare’s ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. In the preface to the score Vaughan Williams stated his ‘chief object’ was ‘to fit this wonderful comedy with, I trust, not unpleasant music’.
The opera premiered at the Royal College of Music in London in their ‘Parry Opera Theatre’ in 1929. The first professional performance was at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington, London in 1946. It has also been performed in 1978 and 1988 at the Bronx Opera in New York City.
It’s been a treat seeing the Opera and Master’s students rehearse and to be part of the ensemble. I’ve listened to ‘When Daisies Pied’ hundreds of times in music festivals but didn’t realise it was from this opera. ‘Greensleeves’ a traditional English folk song and tune also features in the musical score. Often people remark on the use of folk songs a genre of music that you know I love.
The performances start on Saturday 9th May with the final performance on Friday 15th May.
Thank you for sharing this Charlotte, bravo to be in this production, congratulations for all daily work you’re doing. A pleasure to see you so radiant. Congratulations and all the best to you !!!
Merci, I’m so grateful to be learning about something I’m passionate about it’s been my dream to perform for a long time so I’m always happiest when I have the opportunity to.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Charlotte, good for you! Cute images, too. You are really rocking your profession these days.
I intend to go for it none stop 🙂 I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a couple of ladies that are professional singers recently and it was so enlightening.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Love the music of Vaughan Williams, and love opera, but have never heard of this, will try and listen to it. It was quite an important time for folk music during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when composers (and others) went round their various countries, annotating and collecting tradition folk music, and using them in their music, or composing suits and dances. Enjoy it and best luck. blessings, Charles.
Thank you Charles I appreciate your good luck and blessings, some of our soloists are in their final years of opera school it is a brilliant opportunity to hear them close up.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I wish you all the best with this next venture! I have never seen Sir John in Love performed but I have heard some of the music from it. RVW is a favourite of mine and my husband’s. We went with Elinor to see the RSC’s The Merry Wives of Windsor in Norwich a few years ago. Such a funny play! Best wishes, Clare xx
Thank you Clare, I’ve never seen The Merry Wives of Windsor I like watching fun plays. Rehearsals today straight after the conference.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Falling in love with your blog from as far as the internet (across the pond)! 😉
Thank you for letting me know and visiting 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
If i’m not careful, I may fall in love with you next! <3
All best wishes for this production, Charlotte! From your pics, I’m sure you’ll have fun. 😉
Really enjoying working with everyone on this production. Thanks Arti.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow! Love your hair! Reminds me of one of the characters out of ‘Dads Army’ . Good luck and best wishes for a great performance, I know you will all do a superb job! 😘
Cheers Gill, love checking out Pinterest for hair and make-up ideas.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks for reminding me of the music of Vaughan Williams. His music is beyond magical. And thanks for teaching me something new… again!
That’s lovely to hear Marie I love sharing what I’m learning as I go along.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: have fun! 🙂
Will do!! Hope you had a good bank holiday weekend, we don’t have it here in Scotland.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Such a thrill to be able to share your world. Thank you and may this be the best weekend of your life thus far!
Thank you Annette, I was really cram learning most of the weekend and on Monday night I was treated to a lovely meal by the NAMHE organisers, delicious, I ate so much :).
Best wishes
Charlotte
You look good with that old hair style and the deep red color lipstick.
Thank you, I enjoyed experimenting.
Best wishes
Charlotte
This does sound wonderful!
Only five nights until opening night now 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Good luck!
Congrats for all you have accomplished and continue to do. Have a wonderful time doing what you love! xo
Thanks for keeping an eye on me Janice; I wish I could post a video of some of the singing it’s coming along marvellously.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Such a treat it must be to see you sing ~ this looks like another great opportunity for you, great experience and mostly just a lot of fun doing what you love.
Exactly Randall, what’s the saying about work not feeling like work if you love it 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Ah, my very favorite English classical composer. Sounds like a treat to sing for Mr. Williams.
It’s been fabulous learning this score and listening to all of the music, a treat.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Do you find that it elevates the depth of your performance when you get into hair and makeup? When I danced as a kid it always seemed to make a difference once I had on fringy or flowing costume. 😀
Oh yes, it’s so important. I’ve several characters in this play so I like to change my look.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I don’t think I have ever heard this all through. You look spectacular!
Thanks Hilary, I’m several characters in the ensemble in this one so it involves changes of characteristics, clothing, hair which is fantastic.
Best wishes
Charlotte
This should be really great!
I believe it’s going to be great. I hope as many people as possible can come along to enjoy it in order to support our Conservatoire.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Best of luck, Charlotte!
Shakespeare + singing–you couldn’t possibly get any better than that!
Best regards,
Cate
Hi Cate, you are so right 🙂 and working with such a great group of people is like the cherry on the top,
Best wishes
Charlotte