Carmen is generally considered one of the most exciting stories in opera – and one of the most popular. This traditional production by The Moscow State Opera, with traditional sets and costumes, premiered in Moscow in December 2012. The Moscow State Opera is the touring company for The Moscow State Music Theatre named after Natalya Sats. This new production featured the artistes of the theatre, plus star soloists from other famous opera companies in Russia.
The Director General of the The Theatre, and also Artistic Director of this production, was George Isaakian who was recently awarded The Golden Mask, Russia’s most prestigious cultural award, as Russia’s top opera Artistic Director for 2012. This was the third time he had been granted this honour.
Also starring in these performances was Celine Byrne, Ireland’s top soprano, who appeared in the role of Micaela. The artistes were accompanied by the orchestra of The Moscow State Opera whose chief conductor, unusually for a visiting orchestra to Ireland, is Lady Chief Conductor Alevtina Ioffe.
The production was an operatic highlight for both confirmed opera fans and for newcomers to this great artform!