T-raviata in the Park?: Geoff Ellis talks to Creative Scotland about securing more diverse acts for T in the Park
Just when you thought T in the Park couldn’t get more diverse, festival boss Geoff Ellis is said to be in talks with Creative Scotland about bringing opera singers and ballet dancers to T in the Park 2011.
According to the Sunday Herald, Ellis is keen to add a new dimension to next year’s event by signing up Scotland’s five national performing companies to take part.
The National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera have been warned that they should expect budget cuts of up to 10 per cent.
A slot at T in the Park could therefore provide a key platform to bring the arts to a much wider audience.
Ellis said: “The cuts might have a positive effect on music festivals.
“The companies might think, ‘how can we make up this shortfall, increase audience numbers, get to a wider market?’ T in the Park could be the prefect market for that.”
Members of the respective companies are said to welcome the prospect of taking part in the festival that attracts over 85,000 revellers each year.
Neil Murray from the NTS confirmed: "The National theatre of Scotland is keen to reach new audiences."
