Rehearsals must go on-line for Fife Opera

Theatres may currently be closed due to the pandemic, but one local operatic company is not letting it stand in the way of preparations for its next production.

Fife Opera is hoping to stage its show Lakme by Delibes at the Adam Smith Theatre from November 4-7.

The company says this will of course remain under review as the country tackles the Covid-19 pandemic, but in the meantime rehearsals for the production are starting this week – online.

The first rehearsal will take place through online meeting programme Zoom tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.

Eleanor Hubbard, acting chairman for Fife Opera said: “We are still recruiting chorus members. There are some exciting choruses, especially in the market scene in Act Two, so if anyone who enjoys singing wants to give this a try we would be really pleased to have them join us.

“Rehearsals begin online through Zoom on Wednesday, May 13 at 7.30pm.

“Those interested don’t need a computer, just a smart phone.

“Alistair will set this up and with him, our rehearsals are guaranteed to be musically exciting and fun.”

Lakme is famous for the duet in the first act, which is used by British Airways for their television adverts, and Lakme’s Bell song in Act Two is a spectacular piece of soprano singing.

Eleanor added: “The opera is set in India for our production in modern times, with the story examining the impact the Western culture has on the lives of the highly religious Indian people. It is also a love story with tragic consequences.”

For the 2020 production, Alistair Digges is conductor for the company once again, with Rosemary Nairne assisting and Vanessa Condutti is director.

Anyone interested in singing or any other aspect of the production is urged to contact Susan by emailing [email protected]

A message from the Editor:

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press