Bizet's Carmen comes to The O2
The O2 to stage its first opera. The world's most popular opera comes to the world's most popular music venue with over 200 performers including dancers, acrobats and fire eaters.The O2 is set to host its first fully staged opera. Carmen, the world's most popular opera, will take over The O2 in May for just three performances and follows on from highly successful and popular classical stagings of Carmina Burana, Andrea Bocelli and Ben Hur Live at the venue. Directed by David Freeman, founder of The Opera Factory and whose previous credits include Madam Butterfly Tosca and Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall, his production of Bizet's masterpiece comes to The O2 on a never seen before grand and spectacular scale. From the very first note to the final tragic chords, this stunning in-the-round production vividly portrays the powerful story of lust, superstition and murder that passionately unravels with fatal consequences. Carmen is presented by Raymond Gubbay and The O2 and will be performed by a superb cast of over 200 performers, including dancers, acrobats and fire-eaters. The wonderful set and fabulous costumes will bring to life the dusty atmosphere of the town square, the cool night air of the smugglers' mountain hideout, and the colourful festivities outside of the bullring in Seville. Sung in English, Bizet's unforgettable score contains some of opera's finest arias and best loved music. The rousing Song of the Toreador, the beguiling Seguidilla, the tantalising Habanera and the enchanting Flower Song - sensual music that perfectly captures the very essence of Spain. Accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Gareth Hancock, this world class company of singers, musicians and artists will provide an unforgettable production of Bizet's Carmen, staged on an epic scale at The O2. The principle roles will be shared by Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole (as Carmen) and John Hudson and Philip O'Brien (as Don Jose). Raymond Gubbay, impresario and classical music promoter, commented: "The O2 is a wonderful venue to stage such a dramatic and powerful opera. We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to transform this amazing space and produce the first opera there. Arena opera is proving more popular than ever." The production is designed by David Roger whose previous credits include operas for English National Opera, Opera North and the Kirov; lighting by multi Tony Award winning Andrew Bridge (Phantom of the Opera, Fosse, Sunset Boulevard), choreographed by Robert North (former Artistic Director of Ballet Rambert, Teatro Regio (Torino) and Scottish Ballet) with sound design by Bobby Aitken and English translation by the acclaimed Amanda Holden. This is The O2's second collaboration with Raymond Gubbay after the hugely popular 'Christmas Spectacular' in December. CARMEN Performance dates are: Tickets go on sale on Friday 18 September via www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202. Tickets are priced between £25 and £60 with a Gold Circle ticket at £95 which includes a complimentary souvenir programme. All tickets are subject to booking fees. Download as PDF [31KB PDF doc opens in new window] |
