Supporter Events
Scottish Opera supporter events are the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of opera; to glimpse behind the curtain and meet the talented casts, creative teams and artisans who bring our worldclass productions to life.
The support of our Friends and Patrons enables us to look forward, season after season, with confidence and continued ambition, allowing us to hold true to the highest of standards for our audiences.
If you would like information on how to register for our Supporter Events, or how you can support Scottish Opera, please contact Sarah McBryant, Individual Giving Manager by emailing Sarah.McBryant@scottishopera.org.uk or phone 0141 242 0592.
January 2026
Study Day of The Great Wave
Saturday 24 January 2026
Join us for a fascinating Study Day exploring The Great Wave, the brand-new commission by Dai Fujikura and Harry Ross.
We’ll begin the day with guest speaker Nicolas Zekulin, who will introduce this remarkable new opera inspired by artist Katsushika Hokusai and his iconic woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Nicolas will offer personal insights into the music, the drama, and the creative journey behind it.
Through Hokusai’s creative triumphs and struggles – and his close bond with his daughter Ōi – The Great Wave tells a moving story of how Hokusai reshaped Japanese painting and printmaking, going on to influence the global art world and popular culture forever.
After a delicious lunch and time to mingle and reflect on the morning’s discoveries, we’ll be joined by the hugely talented shakuhachi player, Shozan Hasegawa. The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute with a beautifully distinctive sound: breathy, expressive, and deeply atmospheric. In the opera, it weaves seamlessly with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, appearing at key moments – including the opening and a powerful scene near the end.
Our Study Days are a relaxed and friendly way to deepen your understanding of our operas, ask questions, and share ideas with fellow opera lovers. Whether you’re a regular opera-goer or simply curious, we’d be delighted to welcome you for a day of discovery, conversation, and great music.
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain of The Great Wave
Tuesday 27 January 2026
An unmissable opportunity to hear directly from the creative team behind this world premiere. Composer Dai Fujikura and librettist Harry Ross, alongside Music Director Stuart Stratford, will share their experiences of shaping this one-of-a-kind opera for the stage.
Joining them is Satoshi Miyagi, visionary Japanese theatre director renowned for transforming classical and global texts into bold, poetic stage experiences. Miyagi has developed a distinctive style that blends choral movement, mythic imagery, and multiple languages and is directing this exciting world premiere here at Scottish Opera.
Together, the panel will explore musical interpretation, the challenges of translation, and the creative processes involved in working across different cultures, as well as the innovative ways this production has evolved when language is not always the first point of connection. Adding a musical highlight to the evening, soprano Julieth Lozano Rolong, who plays Katsushika Ōi, Hokusai’s daughter, will give the first-ever performance of this exciting new work.
This special Glimpse Behind the Curtain event will take place in our Production Studios, offering a rare chance to see the set before it moves to the Theatre Royal Glasgow stage. Canapés and drinks will be served, and you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with the cast and creative team at the end of the evening.
It is the Patrons of The Alexander Gibson Circle who receive an invite to the Glimpse Behind the Curtain events for every new production that we stage. However, we are delighted to open this special ‘Glimpse’ evening to all our Friends and Patrons as a chance to show you the incredible feat of what our creative teams have achieved in bringing this opera to life.
February 2026
Sir Alexander Gibson Centenary Event for Scottish Opera
Wednesday 19 November 2025
February 2026 marks 100 years since the birth of Sir Alexander Gibson. We at Scottish Opera are hosting a celebration of his extraordinary contribution to cultural life in Scotland and would be delighted if you could join us.
Sir Alex founded Scottish Opera in 1962 to “lay the treasures of opera at the feet of the people of Scotland” and was our Music Director from 1962-1986. His talent, vision and passion helped sow the seed of the vibrant and worldclass music scene we all now benefit from here in Scotland.
Join former Scottish Opera Head of Music, Derek Clark, to reflect on the incredible legacy of Sir Alex for music in Scotland. From his time at Scottish Opera, to the 25 years he spent on the conductor’s podium of the Scottish National Orchestra, to establishing the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, his influence was vast indeed. Derek’s work often brought him into contact with Sir Alex’s legacy, from the notes he left on scores, to the Company’s repertoire choices and the Scottish singers he championed. Sir Alex’s family kindly gifted Scottish Opera his archive of opera scores with his notes and markings, some of which we will have on display at the Theatre for you to see.
We do hope that you can join us for this very special evening to raise a glass in celebration of our extraordinary founder, Sir Alexander Gibson.
This event has sold out however we are operating a waiting list. Please contact Jill Dykes to reserve a place.
Dinner and Dress Rehearsal of The Great Wave
Tuesday 10 February 2026
Join us for the final rehearsal before opening night! Prior to the performance, you are invited to a light supper of soup and sandwiches, followed by tea and coffee with a sweet treat. Dress Rehearsal suppers are a lovely way to connect with fellow Scottish Opera supporters, and I hope you can join us.
Important note: while access to Dress Rehearsals is free of charge, these are reserved only for those who have already booked their tickets to a performance. To secure your place at a Dress Rehearsal, you will need to provide your booking reference and performance date.
Dates for diary
Upcoming supporter events to note in your diary. Registration is not yet open, but more information will follow.
Study Day of Tristan und Isolde
Thursday 5 March 2026
Study Day of The Marriage of Figaro
Saturday 18 April 2026
Dress Rehearsal of The Marriage of Figaro
Thursday 7 May 2026
Buxton Holiday with Scottish Opera
Monday 13 - Friday 17 July 2026
Contact
If you would like to attend any fundraising events, please contact Jill Dykes, Events Manager by emailing jill.dykes@scottishopera.org.uk or phone 0141 242 0593.