A unique event in Girona
Last Friday, May 16, the Municipal Theater of Girona became the stage of a long -awaited performance: the opera ‘Carmen’ by Georges Bizet. This performance was part of the exhibition ‘Temps de Flors’ and coincided with two significant event: the 150th anniversary of the failed premiere of the opera (March 3, 1875) and the memory of the composer, who died shortly after (June 3 of the same year). Thanks to the Opera Foundation in Catalonia, this new production has resorted to various theaters in the country, carrying the opera closest to the public.
A musical direction that surprises
The Vallès Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrés Salado, offered a performance that surprised everyone. Salado, with a consolidated career as a symphonic director, made his debut in the operatic field with a vibrant and dynamic reading of the work. Its ability to unite the orchestra with the scene resulted in a rich interpretation in nuances, with a tension that increased to the end of spectacular event.
Expectations for Futures Concerts
With Salado, becoming the titular conductor of the orchestra next season, memorable nights full of exceptional music are expected.
Vocal performances and key moments
Although the vocal level was not entirely extraordinary, the actions were adequate. The Ukrainian mezzo -soprano Mariya Melnychyn performed Carmen with a silky singing, although her stage performance was a little cold. However, the Argentine tenor Nacho Guzmán, who embodied Don José, showed a significant evolution in his interpretation, especially in more dramatic moments.
A Triangle Amorós
Carles Daza, who acted as Escamillo, contributed an attractive charisma to his interpretation, despite some limitations in his voice. However, Tina Gorina’s soprano sopholan shone with a performance that captivated the audience, culminating in an ovation after its aria.
The heart and stage direction
The interventions of the Choir of Friends of the Opera of Sabadell, although with quality variations, culminated in an impressive choral moment in the fourth act. The participation of the Young Choir of the Municipal School of Music and Conservatory of Sabadell was another prominent point, with young singers who showed great musical capacity.
An innovative stage vision
The Italo -Argentina director Rita Cosentino contributed a new perspective to the staging, setting the work in the Francoist postwar period. This choice allowed a deeper emotional connection to the public, although the stages were minimal, the imagination prevailed. The scenes were dynamic, with a quartet of dancers who enriched the show.
A promising future for the foundation
With this production of ‘Carmen’, the Opera Foundation in Catalonia, under the direction of Jordi Torrents, promises a future full of new proposals that will challenge the usual repertoire, and we want the best for this institution on its way.
