Scottish Opera: Is The Music Director the Problem?

The chorus members of Scottish Opera, who may lose their jobs as part of the proposed restructuring of the troubled organization, are publicly attacking music director Sir Richard Armstrong for his “inappropriate and elitist programming,” “prima donna tantrums,” and “systematic exclusion” of the chorus from programs. Staffers at the company are also voicing complaints about Armstrong’s extravagant spending on such seemingly unnecessary elements of staging as £270 Versace shoes, £700 mannequins, and top-of-the-line plasma screen monitors.