Image: University of Aberdeen
GB 0231 MS 3792/F5572
This short opera is set during the Great Scottish Witch Hunt in the 16th Century. It tells the tale of a woman named Aileen who makes a pact with the devil to restore her bed-ridden child to health again. Her pact leads to devastating consequences.
PLEASE NOTE: 11.30AM PERFORMANCE OF MITHER KIRK CANCELLED SUNDAY ONLY. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. ALL OTHER PERFORMANCES GOING AHEAD AS SCHEDULED.
This is a short opera which lasts no longer than 10 minutes. It will be performed multiple times between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July.
There is no need to book in advance - simply come along and enjoy a performance. There may be a short delay before the performance starts.
Silver City Pop-Up Opera features 3 newly commissioned site-specific operas which will take place in key historic sites across Aberdeen. These are linked to stories and/or historic figures and places associated with the city including the Jacobite uprising, the tragic tale of Fittie’s harbour master, and the Great Scottish Witch Hunt in the 16th century. The operas are composed by Phillip Cooke, Errollyn Wallen and Joe Stollery.
These immersive operas vary in length from 5-10 minutes, allowing them to be performed multiple times over the weekend in public spaces by a mix of local performers from the University of Aberdeen and young professionals from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Silver City Stories is an event which aims to showcase, celebrate and debate the history and heritage of Aberdeen and its People. The event is supported by Aberdeen City Council, The University of Aberdeen and Visit Aberdeenshire.
The programme of events is created by residents, artists and community groups - all of which celebrate the history, heritage and architecture of Aberdeen.
These events complement the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology which is a Scottish Government initiative.
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/silvercitystories
This isn't the first time Joe has composed site-specific opera for sound.
In 2014, Joe wrote an opera called 'The Maiden Stone' which was performed at Bennachie, a range of hills in Aberdeenshire.
Watch the performance below!
The Maiden Stone from Sound Festival on Vimeo.
