World-Class Production in Cinemas this summer
Opera Australia is following the example of the New York Met and London’s Covent Garden in beaming its work across the world. From 25th July cinemas in the UK and Ireland are to screen their stunning production of Bizet’s Carmen recorded live from the waters of the Sydney Harbour, on a purpose built floating stage, against the magnificent backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has become a highlight of the Opera Australia Season. Last year Verdi’s La traviata was the first ever opera to be presented on the astonishing floating stage suspended above the water in Sydney Harbour, and was hailed as a great success. This year Carmen takes the stage; dangerous, sexy and incandescent in a thrilling new production.
This presentation by acclaimed director Gale Edwards and award-winning designers Brian Thomson and Julie Lynch features richly costumed soldiers, smugglers, cigarette girls, urchins, matadors and flamenco dancers swirling across the luminous neon set. A dazzling firework display is a highlight of the performance, completing the transformation into a Spanish Fiesta. The cinema screenings will give audiences in the northern hemisphere an exciting opportunity to see this world-class production in a magical setting from the other side of the globe.
Israeli born mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, one of the world’s most acclaimed Carmens, performs the title role. She made her UK debut singing the role at Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 2004, with great success, and then made her Royal Opera House debut as Cherubino in David McVicar’s new production of Le nozze di Figaro in 2006. Rinat Shaham will be making her debut at Vienna State Opera later this year singing the role of Carmen, and then will sing her first Verdi role at Opera Australia later this month, Preziosilla in La Forza del Destino.
Ukranian tenor Dmytro Popov gives a passionate performance as her Don José. Dmytro has appeared several times with The Royal Opera over recent years, and sang the role of Rodolfo in La bohème in January 2013, including two performances where he replaced Rolando Villazón due to illness. Singing the role of Micaëla. Is young Australian soprano Nicole Car, a rising star of Opera Australia who has sung many leading roles with the company and plans to sing in the United States.
CinemaLive is working with over 100 multiplex cinemas and independent venues, to release Carmen on Sydney Harbour across the UK. This spectacular production will be shot on nine cameras in high definition with 5.1 surround-sound and captured live at the iconic Sydney Opera House. It will be shown at Showcase Cinemas on 25th July, Cineworld Cinemas on 1st & 4th August, Odeon Cinemas on 9th September; and Vue Cinemas on 30th September. For other dates and venues check with your local cinema.
Get more information at the Australian Opera’s Carmen website