The Gentle Shepherd – Opera Caledonia
Opera Caledonia presents “The Gentle Shepherd”
Over 300 years have passed since the publication of Allan Ramsay’s pastoral comedy
“The Gentle Shepherd”. Through the inclusion of traditional songs and music,
Ramsay adapted his work into a ballad opera, earning it the title of “the first Scottish
opera”.
Set against the backdrop of the Pentland Hills, “The Gentle Shepherd” tells the story
of Patie, a poor but virtuous shepherd, who falls in love with Peggy, a shepherdess.
Enjoy a concert retelling of what became Ramsay’s most popular work, performed by
Stephanie Stanway (soprano), Christian Schneeberger (tenor) and Derek Clark
(harpsichord) in the glorious surroundings of Penicuik.
This performance is presented by Opera Caledonia, Scotland’s newest professional
opera company – dedicated to presenting concerts, recitals & events across Scotland;
showcasing all that Scotland has to offer as a country and an artistic platform. Artists
are subject to alteration.
Further information
Over 300 years have passed since the publication of Allan Ramsay’s pastoral comedy
“The Gentle Shepherd”. Through the inclusion of traditional songs and music,
Ramsay adapted his work into a ballad opera, earning it the title of “the first Scottish
opera”.
Set against the backdrop of the Pentland Hills, “The Gentle Shepherd” tells the story
of Patie, a poor but virtuous shepherd, who falls in love with Peggy, a shepherdess.
Enjoy a concert retelling of what became Ramsay’s most popular work, performed by
Stephanie Stanway (soprano), Christian Schneeberger (tenor) and Derek Clark
(harpsichord) in the glorious surroundings of Penicuik.
Scottish soprano Stephanie Stanway is a Samling Artist and recent graduate of the
Alexander Gibson Opera School at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she
studied under Wilma MacDougall having previously studied at the Royal Northern
College of Music. Stephanie is the recipient of the Ye Cronies Opera award The
Dame Eva Turner Vocal Prize.
Scottish tenor Christian Schneeberger studied at the Royal Conservatoire of
Scotland, where he won the Glasgow Grand Society Opera Cup, the Hugh S.
Roberton Prize for Scottish Singing, and the William Allan Prize. He performs
regularly with Scottish Opera has appeared throughout the UK as a recitalist,
oratorio soloist, and opera singer. Recent engagements include Verdi’s Requiem with
the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Scottish Opera’s celebrated former Head of Music, Derek Clark is an Honours
graduate of the RSAMD and the University of Durham. He studied at the London
Opera Centre before joining Welsh National Opera as a répétiteur in 1977, making
his professional conducting debut in 1981 with Handel’s Tamerlano. During his time
at Scottish Opera he conducted more than 30 operas for the company, including
major works by Handel and Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Puccini,
and Gilbert & Sullivan.
This performance is presented by Opera Caledonia, Scotland’s newest professional
opera company – dedicated to presenting concerts, recitals & events across Scotland;
showcasing all that Scotland has to offer as a country and an artistic platform.