This month John Adams' Nixon in China opened at Scottish Opera, featuring two Rayfield Allied artists making role debuts. Julia Sporsén features as Pat Nixon, following highly acclaimed performances as Komponist Ariadne auf Naxos in previous seasons. David Stout performs the role of Henry Kissinger, following success as Frank Edgar and Marcello La bohème for the company.
Both artists have received glowing reviews:
Julia Sporsén sang with compelling warmth.
Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph
David Stout is blustery and self-regarding as the shady Henry Kissinger.
Rowena Smith, The Guardian
[As] the president’s thoughtful wife, Pat Nixon, Julia Sporsén [is] compelling and convincing.
Fiona Maddocks, The Guardian*****
The multi-national cast that Scottish Opera has assembled for these performances is without a weak link. … Of a wonderful three-part evening, it is the second act, which revolves around Pat Nixon (Julia Sporsen) and Madame Mao (Hye-Youn Lee), that is the absolute sensation of the night.
Keith Bruce, The Herald
The central roles are all impressively taken… Julia Sporsén’s infinitely touching Pat Nixon, David Stout’s canny Kissinger…
George Hall, The Stage
There is cast-iron evenness among the key players. Julia Sporsén blossoms with genuine concern as his wife, Pat. David Stout’s frenetic portrayal of the buffa-style Kissinger makes him a golden theatrical foil to the stoical composure of Nicholas Lester’s Chou.
Ken Walton, The Scotsman
The production runs at Scottish Opera between 18 and 22 February 2020, before transferring to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for performances on 27 and 29 February. More information can be found on the Scottish Opera website.
Photo credit: James Glossop
