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Carmen at the Manchester Opera House Review

EllenKentCarmenCarmen
Opera House, Manchester

19 March 2016

www.atgtickets.com/operahouse

Reviewed by Rosemary Knight

Yesterday evening I visited the Opera House in central Manchester to watch Ellen Kent’s spectacular presentation of Georges Bizet’s Carmen. My husband had never watched a live operatic performance before, although we are both familiar with the beautiful music, so we were excited to have the opportunity to watch this incredible opera.

Carmen, played to perfection by magnificent Mezzo-Soprano Liza Kadelnik, is a sultry, manipulative gypsy girl who enthrals many of the men who come into contact with her. Don Jose, the corporal played by Vitalii Liskovetskiy and Escamillo, the toreador, played by Lurie Gisca, both fall madly in love with Carmen, with ultimately tragic consequences. From the moment Carmen sets foot on stage, singing “Habanera” and dancing sensuously, she bewitches the entire audience. Michaela, the innocent village maiden, played by Alyona Kistenyova, is shy and quiet, the complete opposite to Carmen, but is also in love with Don Jose. This passionate tale is set in the southern part of Spain and depicts the colourful world of gypsies, smugglers and bull fighting. The music is rousing, especially famous “Toreador Song”, sung by Escamillo. The set is well designed and the costumes are a riot of colour, and add to the Spanish authenticity.

The opera is sung in French but has English surtitles so even those who are not familiar with the storyline will have no difficulty in understanding the plot. It is quite lengthy with four acts, but very enjoyable.

This was definitely a night to remember. We enjoyed every minute and went home singing. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Ellen Kent’s Carmen is currently on tour around the UK, for more information, tour dates or to book tickets visit www.ellenkent.com.

For other shows at the Opera House in Manchester visit www.atgtickets.com/operahouse

Opera House, 3 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HP | 0844 871 3018

5Star

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