La Clemenza di Tito

Delivered to great effect in the elegant St. Cecelia’s hall, La Clemenza di Tito tells the story of Vitellia and her manipulation of Sesto, who makes an attempt on the life of his dear friend Emperor Tito after he rejects Vitellia. But Tito announces all too late that he wishes to marry Vitellia after all. The intensity of the plot was fully conveyed, and I must say the performers really brought the drama to life. The exceptional singing talent (in particular Susan Mcnaught and Louise Alder who played Sesto and Vitellia) made for a spectacular evening, and the orchestra conducted by Michael Bawtree delivered a flawless performance. Director Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is to be commended for his effective use of the hall. The intimacy of the space really allowed the audience to engage with the performance. I felt that the decision to move the story into the 20th Century worked well and added a new dimension to Mozart’s last opera.

The Edinburgh Studio Opera’s La Clemenza Di Tito is a testament to what true artistic integrity and ability can accomplish. Congratulations are in order for the cast, crew and indeed everyone who contributed to this outstanding production. All their hard work shines through, and I can say without a shadow of doubt that the Edinburgh Studio Opera have managed to capture the full glory of Mozart’s last opera.