Carmen

USER (01Nov05): Carmen by Bizet Ellen Kent & Opera International present The Chisinau National Opera Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 31 October 2005 Ellen Kent has been bringing opera to this country for several years to my knowledge and has a passion for it. Tonight she presented Carmen with principal soloists, Nadejda Stoianova as Carmen, Igor Macarenco as Don Jose, Iuri Gisca as Escamillo and Rosa Lee Thomas as Micaela with and a huge orchestra conducted by Nicolae Dohotaru. This impressive touring production company that also has on offer Verdi’s “Nabucco” on Tuesday 1 November is of the grandest scale and it was wonderful to see the large audience captivated by the music and colour of this classic opera. Ellen Kent is bringing to regional theatres a wide repertoire allowing us to see 2 very contrasting operas over 2 days. The Chisinau National Opera are from the smallest of the former Soviet Republics Moldova a country with a reputation for wine, women and song and so who better to perform this popular opera. The story here is that of Carmen the scheming gypsy woman who falls crazily in love with doomed soldier Don Jose who has already pledged his love to another woman the innocent Micaela. The path to true love is not to be and after Don Jose realises that Carmen will never really be his he kills her. Featuring some of the best-loved melodies including The Habanera, The Flower Song and of course The Toreador's Song, Carmen is probably one of the best known of operas. Nadejda Stoianova was well cast as Carmen with a strong voice and sultry appearance that captivated the audience. The costumes by Nina Babutac added to the overall atmosphere of the production and likewise the sets designed by Felix Bessonov were elaborate conjuring up images of Seville. The lighting provided bright courtyards and sombre nighttime mountains too. It was wonderful to have a full orchestra playing and at no time were the soloists overpowered by the music. I did however feel that some of the expected excitement from the score was given a more subdued reading and took away some of the spontaneity of the performance. The Romale Gypsy Dance Troupe comprising six artistes performed the colourful and lively flamenco in Act I, which was well received. The choreography for the production is by Mihai Caftanat. As an added bonus and not available at all theatres we were treated to the appearance in Act IV of 2 horses including Todo the 9 year old Andalucian stallion and that is something you do not see at the Alex everyday! If you get the chance go and see Nabucco tonight. Clive Fuller