AN AYRSHIRE opera company has been nominated for a prestigious international award for their astonishing production The Seal-Woman.
The Scots Opera Project are in the running for the International Opera Award in the category of Rediscovered Work for its ground-breaking production, which was produced in and toured North Ayrshire before enjoying huge success across the country.
The captivating revival, featuring music by Granville Bantock and libretto by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser, was part of the Scots Opera Project’s 2023/2024 season and garnered critical acclaim for its artistry and cultural significance.
Founded in Ayrshire, the Scots Opera Project has always held a deep connection to its roots.
Their production of The Seal-Woman was created and toured across North Ayrshire, before gaining wider acclaim with performances in Edinburgh as part of the Storytelling Festival and in Perth as part of the Perth Festival of the Arts, finally returning home for a special orchestral performance in Largs.
What started as a small, independent company committed to reviving Scotland’s musical heritage has now gained international recognition, a remarkable achievement for a company of its size and scope.
Based on a traditional Scottish folk tale, The Seal-Woman explores themes of love, loss, and transformation, blending music and mythology in a uniquely evocative way.
The production was praised for its rich interpretation of the work, breathing new life into a rarely performed piece from the early 20th century. With a cast of talented Scottish based performers and a creative team dedicated to their craft, The Seal-Woman has now gained recognition in the international opera scene.
Artistic director David Douglas said: "We are incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award
“Our mission has always been to celebrate and revitalise Scotland’s operatic history, and this recognition affirms our belief in the importance of rediscovering and sharing these lesser-known masterpieces.
"For a small company from Ayrshire to be recognised on such a global platform is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved.”
The International Opera Awards, considered one of the highest accolades in the opera world, celebrate excellence in opera performance and production worldwide.
The Rediscovered Work category highlights productions that bring forgotten or overlooked operas back to the stage, making The Seal-Woman a fitting nominee for its profound cultural impact.
The awards ceremony will take place on October 3.
To find out more about the Scots Opera Project visit here or here to follow them on Facebook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here