Bizet’s Carmen

Bizet's Carmen, a staple of operatic repertoire, wonderfully graced the Royal Albert Hall for Prom 52, captivating the audience with its potent blend of passionate music, powerful voices, and dramatic, vivid storytelling. This production brought a fresh perspective to the familiar tale of love and obsession, leaving a lasting impression on the whole audience.

From the first notes of the iconic prelude, the orchestra, under the baton of Anja Bihlmaier demonstrated exceptional skill and sensitivity. Their playing was not merely accompaniment but rather the driving force behind the drama of the iconic opera. The nuances of Bizet's score, from the flourishes to the most tender of melodies, were expertly handled, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The string in particular were particularly striking and truly bought out the emotion behind the opera, accentuating the free spiritedness of Carmen and the obsession of Don José.

The vocal performances that truly elevated this production to something special. In the title role, Rihab Chaieb was nothing short of captivating. Her take on Carmen was a force of nature, her powerful voice conveying both the character's fiery independence, free spiritedness and her vulnerability. Her Habanera was seductive, defiant and fun, while her final aria was delivered to portray true vulnerability.

Evan LeRoy Johnson’s Don José was a compelling portrayal of a man torn between duty and desire, he truly bought out his characters obsession. His voice soared effortlessly above the orchestra. The chemistry between Don José and Carmen was palpable and evident to the audience with each of their interactions weaving a tapestry of vulnerability, love and obsession.

Yet, it was Janai Brugger as Micaëla who provided a stark and ultimately heartbreaking counterpoint to Carmen's fiery passion. Her final aria was beautiful. It truly showed her vocal control and emotional nuance. Her voice conveyed both Micaëla's inner strength and her deep, unrequited love for Don José as well as her commitment to his mother and to him. Many audience members were visibly moved, some even brought to tears by the power of her voice and beauty of this performance.

Adding further depth to the production were two stunning dance sequences. The first, set in Lillas Pastia's tavern captured the raw energy and sensuality of the world of Carmen. The second, preceding the final bullfight, was much more somber as it foreshadowed the tragedy to come while simultaneously celebrating the vibrancy of Spanish culture. In both instances, the dancers' skill, artistry and craft were breathtaking with their movements echoing the music and drama of this opera.

Ultimately, this performance of Carmen was a testament to the enduring power of Bizet's masterpiece. Through a potent combination of musical excellence, captivating singing, and powerful staging, the production offered a deeply moving and unforgettable experience that left the audience enthralled and emotional.