Alistair Mackie on Jonathan Dove’s Uprising Posted Mon 24 March 2025
“I accompanied the RSNO to the UK Premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Uprising at Saffron Walden this past weekend. I was absolutely knocked out at the performance. For me, this will unquestionably be a highlight of the season. Uprising is a semi-staged opera about a family and their sometimes-comical divisions; touching on far more than climate change. It will challenge, entertain and take each audience member on a journey.
“It’s more than a piece of music, it really is an operatic night out. It has great music, great drama, supremely good performances from the solo singers and it’s a chance for our Youth Chorus to shine – they will be the stars of the show. This opera was made for us, we have an amazing Orchestra and Chorus, and we’ve got a great relationship with Jonathan Dove through our previous collaboration on Gaspard’s Foxtrot. It also brings in our fantastic Chorus Academy who have an important role both musically and dramatically.
“Jonathan Dove and librettist April De Angelis make a cracking combination. The music is guaranteed to leave you with some memorable tunes and rhythms that you’ll not easily forget – it’s exceptionally entertaining. The musicians have so enjoyed playing this score that they have urged me to reach out to our valuable audience members and subscribers to let them know all about it.
“All this to say, I have such passion for this project. I know it doesn’t look like your normal RSNO concert but this will be an absolute highlight of the Season, no doubt about that. I would like to thank our valued subscribers and audiences for their continued support this Season and I hope to see you soon.”
Uprising is being performed at the Usher Hall (28 March) and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (29 March). Book your tickets for this spectacular performance here.
