Scotland is blessed with an innovative opera scene these days as professionals have branched into Scots language productions. In 2014 Chris Waddell, learning manager at the Robert Burns Birthplace Musuem, translated the French opera Acton by Charpentier into Scots and it was staged by Ayrshire Opera. Now Ayrshire Opera have formed a company named Perthshire Opera who are planning to stage Acton at Birnam Arts Centre. As with previous productions, the company are running a course in the week prior to the final production and invite interested persons to enrol and take part. It is perfect for those wishing to try out opera for the first time and is suitable for all voice types. Those taking part will be tutored by professionals soprano Colleen Nicoll, tenor David Douglas, pianist Andrew Johnston and makeup artist Claire Monica. Rehearsals will take place on Sunday 23 October from 10am to 5pm and then every evening during the week from 7pm to 9.30pm before the final performance at 7pm on Saturday 29 October 2016 at Birnam Arts Centre.

The course costs 75 but with a concession price of 50 for those over 60, students and those under 18. All ages are welcome, from children to senior citizens. All those taking part in the course will make up the chorus of the final production.

If you would like to learn more, or enrol in the course, please contact Colleen Nicoll at perthshireopera@gmail.com or phone her on 07914 119099.