News

April 2007 

Audience favourite Carmen closes opera season

Calgary, AB… Calgary Opera closes out the wildly successful 2006-2007 mainstage season with arguably the most famous opera in the world, Bizet’s Carmen. Carmen runs April 21, 25, 27 & 29 2007 at the Jubilee Auditorium.

“We have had an unbelievable season so far with a new built-in-Calgary production of Cinderella and the world premiere of Frobisher,” says W.R. (Bob) McPhee, General Director & CEO, “To end the mainstage season with one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire is the icing on the cake.“

Carmen is a tale of passion, betrayal and revenge. With some of the most famous music in the repertoire, it has been performed in every major opera house in the world and is one of the most frequently produced operas.

The Calgary Opera production features Mezzo-Soprano Beth Clayton making her company debut in the title role of the strong-willed Spanish gypsy, with Tenor Roger Honeywell also debuting as her jealous lover Don Jose. Baritone James Westman (La Bohème, 2002) returns to Calgary as Don Jose’s rival, Escamillo. Also returning are Soprano Nathalie Paulin (Dialogue of the Carmelites, 2002) as Micaela, and Bass-Baritone Taras Kulish (Cinderella, 2006) makes his second appearance this season as Zuniga. Daniel Beckwith conducts, David Gately directs.

Carmen is sponsored by Talisman Energy, with the Calgary Opera Chorus sponsored by Petro-Canada. Tickets range from $25 - $125. Tickets for Carmen are available by calling Calgary Opera at 262-7286.

For further information, please contact: Brian O'Neill, Calgary Opera 802-3409, or boneill@calgaryopera.com.