Here are three singers Hairy McMungo recommends you look out for in 2008.
Iain Paterson
Tis great Scottish bass-baritone gave inspired performances as Amonasro Aida and Schaunard La boheme for the ENO last season. In 2008, he will sing the small but very important role of the First Nazarene Salome for the Royal Opera House. Iain can stand out in any role, no matter how small, his acting ingenious and his fine Glaswegian voice ringing with authority.
Reno Troilus
This great young Scottish counter tenor was still studying when he was asked to take over the role of Ottone Agrippina for the ENO, which he did with great success. Reno will be appearing in the great Scottish composer Judith Weir’s opera A Night at the Chinese Opera with Scottish Opera.
Mark Wilde
This great Scottish tenor was wasted in a production of Die Zauberflote at the Barbican which Hairy McMungo would rather forget. But Pinnochio for Opera North will be another matter, so go and see Mark playing the Cat.
HAIRY McMUNGO