The production features Penn State Opera Theatre, directed by Ted Christopher. Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerardo Edelstein, will accompany the performance. Both Penn State School of Music students and alumni will be principal singers, and the production will be performed in French with English supertitles.
One of the world’s most popular operas, “Carmen” takes place in 19th-century Seville, Spain. The opera, which debuted in 1875, follows Don José, a military corporal, who becomes mesmerized by a factory worker, Carmen.
“Without a doubt, ‘Carmen’ is the most beloved of all French opera,” Christopher said. “The music is so accessible -- lyrical, rhythmic, stirring, intense.”
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Claire DeArmitt, a graduate student pursuing a master of music degree in voice pedagogy and performance, will play Carmen. Professional opera singer Matthew Vickers portrays Don José. He earned his master of music in vocal performance at Penn State in 2012.
DeArmitt said “Carmen” still holds relevance today.
“I believe the reason why people are still so enamored with the opera is that it features real, three-dimensional human beings who deal with things like jealousy, violence, differences in class and gender, and ruinous or even tragic love,” she said.
“Carmen” features scenery designed by Allen Charles Klein and provided by The Atlanta Opera. The costumes were designed by Susan Memmott Allred for Utah Symphony & Opera.
Read a Center for the Performing Arts interview with students and faculty from the production.
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