Carmen

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Carmen

At Joburg Theatre for the opening of "Carmen", full house, mature demographic. Always wanted to go the opera since "The Godfather". It has that appeal, the voices, drama, emotion, gusto, heritage and culture. 


I love this form of storytelling, they sing dialogue, less to do with words and more about emotion, feeling and execution. Sing your heart out, be expressive and articulate, take your time, the stage is yours. The opera is sung in French and  English subtitles to translate, it helped with continuity and following the story. Don't have the vocabulary to describe the voices, such beauty, heavenly is my attempt. The choruses are mezmarrizing, in sync, perfect delivery and immersion in the current moment. In flow and in love with what they were doing. You have to have a voicebox, good pipes and deliver high notes. Tone deaf and you don't have a chance! Even when they were laughing, they were in tune. This is not idols, no wooden mics for untalented people. These are serious professionals, people who dedicated their whole lives to opera - music. People who can really sing. Four acts, large ensemble, orchestra, gorgeous costumes, the sets change in every act, they transport you to Seville. Love consumes, a tragic story about betrayal and love. My first experience of the opera and I absolutely loved it. Shoutout Bridget and The Buz Hive. 


The story unfolds in the sun-drenched streets of Seville, where Carmen – an independent woman – refuses to be bound by anyone’s rules. Her relationships with the soldier Don José and the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo ignite a stormy love triangle of passion, jealousy, and betrayal. George Bizet on the score, some of the pieces performed are "Habanera,” and "Toreador Song". The Sempre Opera Ad Hoc Choir, under the direction of Kobus Buys are perfect. Everything is perfect.


Congratulations George Bizet and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.


https://youtu.be/9DR_2fwUaeU?si=8PkaVMIXUwdckNs5

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