Busy Ellen isn't Carmen down
A STYLISH presentation of two opera classics in South Yorkshire signals the swansong of one of British theatre's most celebrated promoters.
Having announced a change of direction earlier this year, popularist opera and ballet promoter Ellen Kent has lined up Bizet's Carmen and Puccini's classic opera Turandot for Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre next week.
The latter is presented in celebration of Pavarotti's life, highlighting the unforgettable aria Nessun Dorma, here sung by British-based opera star Irakli Grigali.
Ellen was inspired to produce her first opera in 1993 by Pavarotti's performance at the 1990 World Cup, which arguably opened up opera to the masses with one of the most stirring moments uniting traditional music and international sport.
Turandot is the story of a cold-hearted princess who is surrounded by suitors, facing death if they fail to answer her riddle correctly, and the one man who can melt the ice in her heart.
Ancient China is brought to life with heads on spikes and the Terracotta Army gazing down from a set by London set designer Will Bowen.
This typically epic production includes a Kathakali dance sequence based on the South Indian Devil Dance and is sung in Italian with English surtitles.
It will be performed by international soloists alongside the full Chisinau National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.
Carmen, sung in French with English surtitles, is staged in a bullring for a new twist to Bizet's famous and seductive opera with bull fighters and a local brass band which will perform the Passe Double, the opening music at Spanish bullfights.
The colourful production features guest stars international flamenco dancer Sam Quy, as seen in the Royal Opera House's Carmen, accompanied by the well known Spanish flamenco singer Fernando de Sevilla, plus children from Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Sheffield and Chesterfield, who will add their vocals to the night.
After 17 years of touring opera and ballet throughout Britain and Ireland, Ellen Kent is to concentrate on producing and directing outdoor opera and arena productions at home and abroad.
She lays claim to being the only producer to tour opera and ballet extensively throughout Britain, thus ensuring people in regional theatres have been able to see top quality opera and ballet for the first time and consistently for years.
Turandot is performed next Monday, June 29, followed by Carmen on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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