_Caroline_Vercoe_(Mercedes)_Dimity_Shepherd_(Carmen)_Angela_Hogan_(Frasquita)_Paul_Biencourt_(Remendado)_3450.jpg "Carmen set to seduce audiences in Tasmania 15")
_and_Don_Jose_(Jason_Wasley)_8104.jpg "Carmen set to seduce audiences in Tasmania 18")
Presented by Melbourne Opera
Melbourne Opera continues its sell out tour of Bizet’s best known opera Carmen in Hobart on 14 April at the Theatre Royal and in Burnie on April 21 at Burnie Town Hall.
The smouldering gypsy seductress, Carmen, leaves men panting for more. Foresworn to “freedom,” she can be embraced, but never possessed. Her fate lies inextricably in the cards.
Carmen shows how a casual, flirtatious dalliance when mixed with jealousy and obsession can become a seriously deadly game of chance.
It is an unforgettable tragedy of shocking and risqué morality, set to a fiery, colourful score infused with the pulsing sensuality of gypsy and Spanish influenced melodies.
Over 90 performers have been assembled by Melbourne Opera to bring Bizet’s dramatic story to life, creating an opera bursting with energy and packed full of great tunes sung in English including the Toreador Song, Habanera, Seguidilla and Flower song.
“A compelling performance…. melting beautiful. Melbourne Opera is one of Melbourne’s miracles.” Peter Burch, The Australian
“The orchestra played with warmth and clarity” Sybil Nolan, Herald Sun
Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time. It was first performed in 1875 and has been a central part of the operatic repertoire ever since. Part of its appeal is its salacious story, initially denounced by critics as immoral, its vivid range of characters from Carmen the passionate gypsy, to Escamillo, the heroic bullfighter and Bizet’s evocative music.
Directed by Hugh Halliday, the opera promises to be lively, animated and energetic with thrilling performances from Dimity Shepherd (Hobart) and Angela Hogan (Burnie) as Carmen, joined by the magnificent dramatic tenor Jason Wasley as her doomed lover Don Jose. Phillip Calcagno will play the glamorous Toreador, Escamillo.
In the pit is conductor Greg Hocking with the full Melbourne Opera Orchestra, and the company is very proud to be again performing with the Tasmanian Opera Chorus which was especially formed to work with Melbourne Opera.
Carmen at Theatre Royal, Hobart – Saturday 14th April – 8.00 pm
Bookings: (03) 6233 2299; www.theatreroyal.com.au
Carmen at Town Hall, Burnie – Saturday April 21 – 8.00 pm
Bookings: (03) 6430 5850; www.burniearts.net
John Myers, Melbourne Opera
