Abu Dhabi is all set to stage the renowned opera Carmen next month at the Emirates Palace Hotel. The opera will be staged from November 8-11.
Carmen is a French opera by Georges Bizet that tells the tragic love story of a beautiful woman adored and scorned by the men she loves. Famous Russian mezzo-soprano Galia Ibragimova, who also sang during Pavarotti's funeral, will play the role of Carmen.
Significant
"Carmen may well be the most significant cultural performance we have hosted thus far, and is part of our ongoing initiative to bring truly captivating theatrical and musical productions to Abu Dhabi. Through the generous support of local sponsors we are delighted to present this superb example of world class opera and anticipate immense interest from the local community," said Noel Massoud, general manager, Emirates Palace.
Since 1875
Under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the staging of Carmen follows a string of successful cultural and entertainment programmes including Aida Monumental Opera on Fire and the Broadway hit musical Chicago.
The famous classical Carmen was first premiered at the Opera Comique in Paris in March 1875, and has since been staged in various theatre productions all over the world, enthralling millions of audiences with its passionate arias and dances.
The opera will include 122 artists from Romania, Russia, Bulgaria and Germany; namely an orchestra, choir and ballet companies as well as wellknown soloists such as Russian mezzo-soprano Ibragimova as Carmen, baritone Niko Isakov and Austrian tenor Emil Ivanov.
English subtitles
There will be a screen in the background with English sub-titles since the opera will be in Spanish. There will be four intermissions and the opera will run for more than three hours.
"Carmen is yet another initiative from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Emirates Palace Hotel to help the public experience the tragic love story by 122 prestigious artists," said Faisal Al Shaikh of ADTA.
About Carmen
Carmen is a French opera by Georges Bizet. The libretto was written by Meilhac and Halévy, based on the story of the same title by Prosper Mérimée.
The story revolves around the eponymous Carmen, a beautiful gypsy with a fiery temper. Free with her love, she woos the corporal Don José, an inexperienced soldier. Their relationship leads to his rejection of his former love, mutiny against his superior, turning to a criminal life, and the ultimate murder of Carmen. Although he is briefly happy with Carmen, he becomes mad when she turns from him to the bullfighter Escamillo.
About the event
The opera will be performed from November 8-11, 2007, and tickets will be available from October 17 at the Emirates Palace Hotel or through the web. Prices range from Dh350 to Dh750.
