The Seal-Woman

Composer – Granville Bantock

Composer/Libretto – Marjory Kennedy Fraser 

Director/Producer – David Douglas 

Musical Director – Andrew Johnston 

Chorus Master – Colleen Nicoll  

Chorus Arrangements – Andrew Johnston

On an uninhabited islet in the Western Isles of the Scottish Hebrides, an old crone or ‘Cailleach’ sings of local legends of seals that turn into mortal women. The voices of a Seal-Woman and her Seal-Sister are heard in the distance. Fishermen approach the island. The Islesman recalls a Seal-Woman he has seen before, and when she and her sister appear he keeps hold of their sea-robes, without which they cannot reassume their marine form and will only return those of the sister.

This opera which was first performed in 1924 is based on the folk legend of the mythical Selkie and is inspired and created from songs of the Scottish Hebrides. 

The title role will be performed by former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist and BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competitor mezzo-soprano, Sioned Gwen Davies. The lovesick Islesman, who prevents The Seal-Woman from returning to the sea will be played by Ayrshire tenor, David Douglas. Perthshire soprano Colleen Nicoll will lament in her role as the heartbroken Seal-Sister and the all-knowing Cailleach, which was originally performed by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser, will be sung by Austrian Mezzo-Soprano, Ulrike Wutscher. Completing the cast will be former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Baritone Colin Murray, who will perform the role of the grieving Water-Kelpie. The production will be accompanied by pianist Andrew Johnston, Harpist Esther Swift and Violinist Claire Robertson 

The Seal-Woman features some well-known Scottish favourites such as An Eriskay Love Lilt, The Seal Woman’s Sea Joy and Sea Sounds, making this the perfect opera for newcomers and seasoned opera goers alike.

Creative 

Composer – Granville Bantock

Composer/Libretto – Marjory Kennedy Fraser 

Director/Producer – David Douglas 

Musical Director – Andrew Johnston 

Chorus Master – Colleen Nicoll  

Chorus Arrangements – Andrew Johnston 

Cast

The Cailleach – Ulrike Wutscher

The Seal-Woman – Sioned Gwen Davies

The Seal-Sister – Colleen Nicoll

The Islesman – David Douglas

Fisherman/Water-Kelpie – Colin Murray 

Musicians 

Pianist – Andrew Johnston 

Harpist – Esther Swift 

Violinist – Claire Telford