International Israeli opera star, Rinat Shaham heads the outstanding cast for Southern Opera’s production of “Carmen” opening on October 4.
The stunning young singer has already been described as “a star” for her title performances of the beautiful fiery Spanish gypsy in opera seasons in New York, Rome and London.
Spanish heat and passion are at the centre of Georges Bizet’s powerful and much loved opera, which will have a six-performance season at the Isaac Theatre Royal – on October 4, 6, 9, 11, 14 and 16.
The first production by the newly-established Southern Opera, “Carmen” is the dramatic story of a gypsy girl who beguiles a young soldier, and then spurns him for a toreador.
The tale is as well known as its inspired music.
“We wanted to choose an opera which would appeal to the widest possible audience and could be cast with the highest international standards in mind, as the first production for Southern Opera. We knew we couldn’t go past ‘Carmen’, one of the greatest and most performed operas in the repertoire,” says Christopher Doig, the driving force behind the new company.
“This French opera has it all—a dramatic story, fantastic and well known music—and with the hugely talented direction and cast that we have assembled, we feel certain that audiences are going to experience stunning, dramatically riveting performances.”
Singing opposite Rinat Shaham as Don José will be outstanding, world-renowned American tenor Vinson Cole. Acclaimed young Australian bass baritone Joshua Bloom will sing Escamillo, the toreador, and New Zealand’s own Suzanne Prain will sing Micaëla.
Others in the quality cast include Amanda Winfield, Rachelle Pike, Brendan Casey, Ravil Atlas, Wade Kernot and Michael Bayly.
Elric Hooper is directing the production; Allan Lees is the designer, and music director Brian Law will conduct the Christchurch Symphony.
The lighting design is by Joe Hayes, the chorus master is Louise Clark, and Helen Beswick is the stage manager.
The set and costumes for Carmen are being built in Christchurch under the guidance of the company’s production manager, Rob Peters. Locally-based back stage crew have been engaged for the production.
“Carmen” will be sung in French with the Guiraud recitatives and with English surtitles.
Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Exclusive travel packages to “Carmen” are available from Guthrey Export United Travel and United Travel on Victoria Square, proud sponsors of Southern Opera.
Details www.lovetotravel.co.nz
For more information please contact Gina Boaks, Administrator Southern Opera, (03) 363-3131