

Mezzo-soprano Cybele Gouverneur appeared as Carmen opposite tenor Alexander Boyer, who portrayed her disgraced lover Don José. Stephan*, Sherry Middlemas, and the Tucson Desert Song Festival.Marking the conclusion of the company’s 25th anniversary, Opera San José’s latest production of Carmen opened on Saturday, Apto a near full house at the California Theatre. Production made possible, in part, through generous support from Marlys A. Part of the Arizona Opera Main Stage Series.

Performed in French with English supertitlesĮstimated Running Time: Three hours, including one 20 minute intermission and one 15 minute intermission Tucson – February 5-6, 2022 – Tucson Music Hall Phoenix – January 28-30, 2022 – Symphony Hall I am looking forward to bringing this iconic opera and its disruptive heroine to life.”įrom its lighthearted beginnings to its tragic and destined climax, Carmen is not to be missed. Carmen glorifies freedom above all else, challenging the norms that govern hearts and minds. Stage Director Stephanie Havey says of this beloved masterpiece: “ Carmen juxtaposes the facade of civilization and the mysterious forces of primitive desires. The thrilling score by French composer Georges Bizet includes some of the most popular and recognizable music in all of opera, including The Habanera and The Toreador Song. The last act, outside the bull-ring in Seville, brings Escamillo to the arena, accompanied by Carmen, there stabbed to death by Don José, who has been awaiting her arrival. This comes to a head when Carmen makes clear her preference for the bull- fighter Escamillo. He is later persuaded to join the smugglers with whom Carmen is associated, but is driven wild by jealousy.

Set in Seville around the year 1830, the opera deals with the love and jealousy of Don José, who is lured away from his duty as a soldier and his beloved Micaëla by the Romani factory-girl Carmen, whom he allows to escape from custody. One of the most famous seductresses of all time is about to make her triumphant return.
