★★★★★ - The Telegraph 
★★★★★ - The Times
★★★★ - Bachtrack 
★★★★ - The Guardian  

‘Olivia Fuchs’s new production convinces me that this is Janáček’s most powerful and innovative, if not greatest, stage work’ - The Arts Desk 

Hailed as an ‘unmissable triumph’ (The Telegraph) and nominated for a 2022 Southbank Sky Arts Award, this co-production of Janáček’s mature masterpiece returns to Scottish Opera in its first full staging since 1993. 

Emilia Marty is a stylish, enigmatic diva with a secret. For over three centuries, she has lived many lives, in a quest to become a great opera singer. Emilia - also known as Elina Makropulos, or simply E.M. - captivates minds and hearts along her journey through time and across Europe. Her existence raises questions of science and nature, reality and fantasy, and life and death. But as the elixir she was given begins to lose its power, the secrets of her lives and loves begin to come to light. She can no longer escape from these essential human tensions.   

Olivia Fuchs’ ‘emotionally driven direction’ (The Telegraph) is supported by Nicola Turner’s multi-layered, poetic designs. Sung in English, Orla Boylan (Marx in London! 2024) leads as Emilia Marty, with Ryan Capozzo (Scottish Opera debut) as Albert Gregor. Joining them are Henry Waddington (Greek 2018) as Doctor Kolenatý, and Mark Le Brocq (Nixon in China 2020) as Vitek.  The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, brings out every dramatic nuance.   

New co-production with Welsh National Opera
Kindly supported by The Alexander Gibson Circle
Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season

Mention opera and most people think of singing and music – but this is only part of the overall experience. What about scenery, costumes, lighting, direction and choreography? 

For those living with sight loss, our audio description service provides a live commentary describing the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance and there is a live audio introduction before the start of the performance. 

Patrons with a visual impairment can also book onto a free touch tour – an opportunity to go backstage and become more familiar with the set, scenery, props and costumes. 

Please book in advance for audio-described performances and touch tours by calling the venue box offices:

Theatre Royal Glasgow:
22 February 2025, 7.15pm - touch tour at 6pm

Book now

Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
1 March 2025, 7.15pm - touch tour at 6pm

Book now

Explore other audio-described performances and services>>