Seville comes to the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne when Opera and Ballet International present an Ellen Kent production of Bizet’s Carmen on Friday 25th September. Featuring Caspian – a majestic white Andalucian stallion and a rescue donkey!
A brand new set reflects the stunning architecture of Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences.
Carmen is the story of the bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder. The opera includes some of the most evocative and best-loved melodies in opera – The Habanera, The Seguidilla, The Flower Song, The Chanson Bohème and perhaps the best known baritone aria of all The Toreador’s Song.
This traditional production includes the special guest star appearance of a donkey. Ellen’s mother ran the Spanish equivalent of the RSPCA, which saved the lives of many donkeys, and to continue this good work Ellen has included a donkey from various sanctuaries to help them raise money. There will also be a spectacular dance sequence by Caspian the stallion, ridden by Joe Butcher from AB Films.
With international soloists, full orchestra and chorus, Carmen introduces Liza Kadelnik the celebrated international mezzo-soprano from the Romanian National Opera, together with the stunning international Bulgarian mezzo soprano Nadezhda Stoianova as Carmen.
Alyona Kistenyova will be singing Michaela. Alyona Kistenyova returns after her debut as Madama Butterfly in 2015 gaining rapturous reviews. Escamillo will be played by Iurie Gisca who returns to the Congress after playing Nabucco in 2014.
See the seductive opera Carmen at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne on Friday 25th September. Tickets range from £22 to £34 with concessions for under 16s and students, and group discounts available. Book online at eastbournetheatres.co.uk or call the box Office on 01323 412000.