The UGA Opera Theatre will present Carmen, Georges Bizet’s fiery tale of love, jealousy and murder, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. in the Hodgson Concert Hall.
The performance, part of both the UGA Spotlight on the Arts festival and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s Second Thursday Scholarship Concert Series, also features the UGA Symphony Orchestra, the University Chorus and Georgia Children’s Chorus, conducted by professor Mark Cedel.
Tickets for the program are $18, $5 for students. They are available at the Performing Arts Center box office, by calling 706-542-4400 or online at www.uga.edu/pac. In addition to the full performance, the Opera Theatre will offer $5 admission to a behind-the-scenes open dress rehearsal Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
“I would consider Carmen to be one of the top five most well-known operas,” said Frederick Burchinal, Opera Theatre director and the Wyatt and Margaret Anderson Professor in the Arts at UGA. “It seemed to be a good fit for Spotlight on the Arts at UGA, which seeks to bring the arts to a broader audience. Practically everyone knows several melodies from Carmen, whether they realize it or not.”
In addition to the contributions of Burchinal and Cedel, the opera also will feature choreography from Lisa Fusillo, head of the dance department; scenic art from former Metropolitan Opera veteran Jill Biskin; and costumes, set pieces and supertitles from Carroll Freeman, Georgia State University opera department director. Opera coach Kathryn Wright and director of choral activities Daniel Bara, both of UGA, as well as Georgia Children’s Chorus director Carol Reeves assisted in preparation for the production.
“Every opera is an enormous production requiring cooperation and a shared vision, and Carmen is no exception,” Burchinal said. “The Opera Theatre at UGA provides exceptional opportunities for our singers to learn complete roles before they leave to further their careers.”