BURNS night is back, and this time with an operatic twist.

Touring this autumn is Amadeus & The Bard: 18th Century Cosmic Brothers, a brand-new show from Scottish Opera.

Debuting at Earlston High School, Amadeus & The Bard celebrates the lives of two much-loved men, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Robert Burns.

Through storytelling and song, Scottish Opera will honour the many and sometimes surprising similarities between them.

Created and directed by Mary McCluskey the former Artistic Director of Scottish Youth Theatre, the show is sure to entertain.

Opening night is in Earlston High School after which the production tours to schools in six other Scottish towns, as well as the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

And the Scottish Opera Production Studios in Glasgow.

Set in Poosie Nansie’s Inn, a favourite haunt of Burns, the cast blend traditional folk songs with some of Mozart’s most popular work.

From Tam O’Shanter and The Magic Flute, to A Red, Red Rose and The Marriage of Figaro, audiences are sure to enjoy the night in celebration of the beloved musical geniuses.

Jane Davidson, Scottish Opera’s Director of Outreach and Education said: “Amadeus & The Bard affords us some fascinating glimpses into the (often parallel) lives of Robert Burns and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

“Both are cultural icons of the eighteenth century whose musical and literary ‘voices’ have inspired people through the generations down to the present day.”

Karen MacIver is the Music Director and pianist on this dramatic show, which features a talented cast including Arthur Bruce, The Robertson Trust Scottish Opera Emerging Artist 2019.

Alongside Arthur will be actor Andy Clark, soprano Stephanie Stanway and violinist Shannon Stevenson.

They are joined by an ensemble of four singers from Scottish Opera Young Company: Cara Blaikie, Ross Fettes, James McIntyre and Erin Spence.

Director Mary McCluskey said: “It is our intention for our merry band of talented performers, singers, actors and musicians to give you an insight into the work of Mozart and Burns.

“We hope to entertain and inform you, in order that you will leave knowing more than you did when you came along to see the production, and that we will have whetted your appetite for the work of these two talented men.”

Jane added: “The warmest of welcomes is extended to everyone to join our dynamic young company of performers around the fireside in Poosie Nansie’s hostelry for an hour of songs, ensembles, arias and poetry.”

The performance takes place in Earlston High School on Monday, September 9 at 7pm.

For more information visit https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/amadeus