• The Marriage of Figaro at the Perth Festival

Dundee-born mezzo-soprano Katherine Aitken tells Garry Fraser how much she is looking forward to her Scottish debut

English Touring Opera’s production of The Marriage of Figaro in this month’s Perth Festival of the Arts holds special significance for Dundee-born mezzosoprano Katherine Aitken. Not only will it be her first performance in Courier country, it will also be her Scottish debut.

However, instead of the straight drive along the A90 to Perth, her route has been rather more circuitous, via Edinburgh, London’s Royal Academy of Music and the Studio Opera de Lyon.

“The reason I’ve not yet performed in Scotland is quite simple,” says Katherine. “I’ve just not had the opportunity. I’ve only been out of education for 18 months or so and most of that time has been spent in France and working in London.

“Also, there aren’t many professional opera companies in Scotland and, as a result, the roles within those companies come with a lot of competition. But hey, as they say, great things come to those who wait!”

She is looking forward to playing in front of a home audience, as well as performing the part of Cherubino in Mozart’s classic comic tale of infidelity and intrigue.

“It will be a real highlight of my season to be able to have so many friends and family in the audience,” she says. “I also think that Figaro is the perfect opera. It’s musically balanced, full of recognisable tunes and fastpaced drama. There’s fun, sadness, lots of mistaken identity... a seriously fun night out.

“Cherubino is my favourite operatic role so it’s a real treat,” she continues. “He is the original cheeky chap, always up to mischief and getting himself into awkward situations.

“The role is really nicely paced for the singer, a good amount of stage time plus time to catch your breath. He also gets two awesome arias to sing, What isn’t there to love?”

One of these arias – Voi Che Sapete – is one of opera’s most famous but Katherine isn’t fazed by its popularity.

“Every mezzo – and most sopranos too – has sung it and everyone has an opinion as to how it should be done. I try to ignore all that, take what advice I need and do it my way.”

On the recommendation of the head of music at Firrhill School in Edinburgh, Katherine took up singing lessons with Elizabeth Currie, a lady who was to play a pivotal role in her music career.

“Not only did she give me the opera bug,” continues Katherine, “but I think she also instilled my sense of professionalism and my work ethic.”

That work ethic has seen Katherine perform roles with Opera de Lyon, and she will renew her acquaintance with the company after the tour of Figaro comes to an end – with another performance in Scotland.

“So it turns out Scottish performances are like buses: they all come along at the same time! When I finish with ETO, I’m heading back to Lyon to start rehearsals for Rossini’s La Cenerentola with Opéra de Lyon, which is coming to the Edinburgh International Festival this August.”

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro by English Touring Opera, Perth Theatre, May 17, 7.30pm. Visit www.perthfestival.co.uk for more information.

It will be a real highlight of my season to be able to have so many friends and family in the audience