Edinburgh Playhouse welcomes Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv as part of Ellen Kent Operas

Senbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Productions at Edinburgh Playhouse, featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv.

Article Source: Ambassador Theatre Group
Last Updated: 27 April 2022 15:50

Senbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

TOSCA: An explosion of love and treachery…

The award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in Spring 2022 with the International Opera Festival tour of Puccini’s Tosca on 28th April 2022 at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Premiered on January 14th 1900, Tosca has stood the test of time and is one of the undisputed classics of the opera repertoire. A tragic story of betrayal and lust, love and lies, Puccini’s Tosca is a masterpiece.

Following the huge success of its visit to the Royal Albert Hall, Tosca returns to Edinburgh to delight audiences once again. This most popular of operas, with its tender and moving arias Recondita Armonia, Vissi d’Arte and E Lucevan le Stelle, is a heady mixture of true love, torture and treachery, with two of the best roles for tenor and soprano, plus a pure evil villain as the baritone.

In order to create music with authenticity, Puccini went to Rome specially to listen to the early morning church bells from the ramparts of the Castel Sant'Angelo before penning his score. Ellen Kent returned to Rome, camera at the ready, to photograph some of Italy’s most inspiring churches - full of the beauty and awe that inspired Puccini - in order to create a set which would complement such a celebrated score.

The sets for Tosca are rich, grand and lavish with beautiful period Italian tapestries, chandeliers and costumes replicating Rome in the early nineteenth century. The magnificent set was built by Set Up Scenery who also builds sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden.

Welcoming back the celebrated Moldovan baritone Vladimir Dragos who will sing Scarpia, and the international stars, Elena Dee and Alyona Kistenyova with Petru Racovita, the International Moldovian baritone, sharing the role of Scarpia.

Also returning is the guest conductor and artistic director of the National Opera of Moldova, Nicolae Dohotaru with 30 members of the National Ukrainian Orchestra, Kyiv.

CARMEN: …an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias.

The award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in Spring 2022 with the International Opera Festival tour of Bizet’s Carmen on 29th April 2022 at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Vasyl Vasylenko, artistic director and conductor for the National Municipal Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv, returns. Also returning is the guest conductor and artistic director of the National Opera of Moldova, Nicolae Dohotaru with 30 members of the National Ukrainian Orchestra, Kyiv.

Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen, is an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias. Carmen is the story of the bewitching girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder. The opera includes some of the most evocative and best-loved melodies in opera –The Habanera, The Seguidilla, The Flower Song, The Chanson Bohème and perhaps the best-known baritone aria of all The Toreador’s Song.

The stunning new set reflects the magnificent architecture of Seville with its Roman and Moorish influences, which includes the main square, the bull ring and the famous tobacco factory. The set was built for Ellen Kent in England by Setup Scenery, who also build sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden.

As with any of Ellen Kent’s shows all of the soloists have been hand-picked and directed by Ellen to create a visually beautiful and moving production of Carmen.

MADAM BUTTERFLY …Puccini’s popular tale which inspired internationally beloved musical Miss Saigon

The award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in Spring 2022 withPuccini’s Madama Butterfly on 30th April 2022 at the Edinburgh Playhouse

The fabulous International Korean Soprano Elena Dee returns to sing her critically-acclaimed role as Cio Cio San, together with the international soprano Alyona Kistenyova.*

Vasyl Vasylenko, artistic director and conductor for the National Municipal Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv, returns. Also returning is the guest conductor and artistic director of the National Opera of Moldova, Nicolae Dohotaru with 30 members of the National Ukrainian Orchestra, Kyiv.

Madama Butterfly is Puccini’s popular tale upon which the hit West End musical Miss Saigon is based. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of a beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

With exquisite sets, including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins

An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market

The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience

John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.

Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100

Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!

Heather On The Hill Festival Announced

Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.

The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer

With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.

Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend

Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.

United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport

United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.

Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.

Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter

Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.

BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas

Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.

Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.

Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh

As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.

Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre

The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.

Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026

Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife

From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme

The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.

Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.