Sir Thomas Allen has been named "music adviser" to Scottish Opera. The company has been music directorless since the abrupt resignation of its then-new music director Emmauel Joel-Hornak.
Allen is one of the most respected figures in British--and world--opera. So, his appointment brings real artistic credentials back to a company that has sometimes been accused of being more interested in musicals and light music than "proper opera" of late. In fact, Allen has, himself, recorded and starred in various musicals and operettas, so on the surface he should be an ideal match, especially as he has also taken up the stage director's mantle various times for Scottish Opera and others.
Much will come down to funds, and again having a big name like Allen's should be some help on that front. Much more, perhaps, will come down to Allen's relationship with general manager Alex Reedijk, and one hopes that will be smooth and constructive.
What, finally, does this mean for Thomas Allen's future? His move to directing has been gradual but he is sensibly singing less as the years start to have their effects on his wonderful baritone. One wonders whether the "artistic advisor" title is an experiment to see how he takes to this kind of role, and might before too long turn into a more permanent position at the helm of this important company. One suspect he could do great things.
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