Utah Opera's 2016-17 Season Opens with Bizet's CARMEN

The 2016-17 Utah Opera season opens in October 2016 with Bizet's "Carmen," which was last performed on the Utah Opera stage in January 2010 and is considered one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in the world. Five performances will be held at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre on October 8, 10, 12, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and October 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets, priced from $21-$110, are available for purchase through www.utahopera.org or by calling (801) 355-2787.

"Revolving around one of the most powerful and gripping stories found in all of theater, 'Carmen' contains more recognizable and favorite melodies of any opera," said Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth. "I know our audience will find 'Carmen' as irresistible as its title character. I'm thrilled to bring it back to the stage with this exciting cast and director."

Set in mid-19th century Seville, Spain, the tale revolves around the soldier Don José, sung by former Utah Opera Resident Artist, tenor Dominick Chenes, who has the love of a young peasant girl, Micaëla, sung by Sarah Tucker making her Utah Opera debut. But he throws away both love and career when he crosses paths with the beguiling gypsy Carmen, sung by Utah Opera newcomer mezzo-soprano Elise Quagliata.

"Having [sung] Carmen so many times and seen it performed, it's easy for her to seem like a one dimensional character," said Ms. Quagliata. "But if you're playing Carmen knowing that you're going to die and that it's your fate, to me she becomes a more interesting character, dynamic and magnetic."

The role of the victorious bullfighter Escamillo, who attempts to steal Carmen's heart, is sung by baritoneChristIan Bowers, who also makes his Utah Opera debut. Long-time Utah Opera conductor Robert Twetenreturns to lead the orchestra after his most recent appearance at "Tosca" in October 2015.

"With a grand backdrop of Spanish costumes and sets, Bizet's 'Carmen' tells the story of two outsiders whose lives are inextricably linked, with disastrous consequences," explained Stage Director Tara Faircloth, who last directed Utah Opera's production of "The Marriage of Figaro" in May 2016. "Carmen, a capricious and strong willed woman, desires the freedom to be and do as she pleases. She finds herself entangled with Don José, a man who buries his darker impulses in a military life that is orderly and defined. His need to own and control a woman who will not be subdued leads to their tragic downfall."

Also joining Utah Opera's production of "Carmen" is the Utah Opera Chorus and the choristers of The Madeleine Choir School, under the direction of Choir Director Melanie Malinka. Michael Spassov was appointed Utah Opera Chorus Master in May 2016 after leading choruses at Atlanta Opera and Edmonton Opera. "Carmen" will be his first production with Utah Opera. For Mr. Spassov, a highlight about working with an opera chorus is the opportunity for the choristers to explore many different roles. "'Carmen' is an amazing example of this because the chorus will be playing soldiers, drug smugglers, gypsies, cigarette girls, and guys from the tavern waiting around for the cigarette girls," he said.

The production features several new costume designs constructed by the local stitchers who work out of Utah Opera's state-of-the-art Production Studios. "The chorus looks like they've walked off the streets of late 19th century Seville, Spain," explains Verona Green, Utah Opera's costume director. "But the gypsies are the fun ones." A new jewel in the "Carmen" costume collection has been constructed for the leading lady. "It's sexy," explained Ms. Green. "In this production, Carmen appears in the final scene totally in charge of herself."

"Carmen" features some of the most recognizable and famous arias, including "Habanera" and "Toreador." Sets for the production were constructed by Florida Grand Opera.

The performance will last approximately three hours with two intermissions.

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