Scottish Opera - History

History

Founded in 1962 by Alexander Gibson, Scottish Opera has grown to become one of the world's most renowned opera companies, building a considerable reputation for its distinguished productions.

In 1975 Scottish Opera bought the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from Scottish Television re-opening it as the first national opera house for Scotland in October 1975 with Die Fledermaus. In March 2005, the management of the Theatre Royal was transferred to the Ambassador Theatre Group, but remains the home of Scottish Opera and of Scottish Ballet.

Scottish Opera is committed to bringing the widest range of opera, to the maximum audience in Scotland and the United Kingdom. The company's education unit is committed to delivering socially inclusive outreach and educational productions.

Scottish Opera dealt with various financial troubles, related to lack of funding and accusations of fiscal profligacy, during the first part of the 2000s. Its cycle of Richard Wagner's Ring was critically acclaimed, but also was highly draining of the company's financial resources. In 2004, a financial restructuring plan had called for the elimination of 88 jobs, including all 34 members of the chorus, and the suspension of the entire 2005-2006 season. In protest, Sir Richard Armstrong announced his resignation in December 2004, effective at the end of the 2004-2005 season.

Alex Reedijk became general director of the company in 2006. In August 2007, effective the same month, the company announced the appointment of Francesco Corti as its next music director.

Recent commissions include the widely acclaimed Five:15 Operas Made in Scotland, part of a five-year research and development project to find the next generation of opera-makers, composers and librettists.