GRAND OPERA CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 21748, 16 June 1934, Page 10

GRAND OPERA CLUB

PRODUCTION OF 1 CARMEN ’ Perhaps the most enterprising musical organisation in this city, the Grand Opera Club, will shortly give the public the benefit of its enthusiasm wlien, from Juno 27 to 30, it will present Bizet’s ever-popular ' Carmen.’ Sung in English, and with every care given to the costuming and staging aspects, this opera is bound to have a wide appeal. Although now recognised as a piece do resistance in the operatic realm, ‘Carmen’ gave no joy to its creator, Bizet, for the dismal failure it proved at its initial presentation at the Opera Oomique has now become historic. After witnessing the reception that was meted out to his opera Bizet fell into a despondent frame of mind and gave up the ghost. Ho died three months after the fiasco, without an inkling of the success which was to crown * Carmen ’ four months after his death. For this colourful opera the libretto was born in Prosper Merimee’s novel. In his book some of the characters which figure so prominently in the o p era — to wit, Escamillo—make a belated appearance. Micaela is not a character in the novel hut purely a creation of the librettists. • - Under the conductorship of Mr Alfred Walmsley, the club has set its mind to the task in hand witli keenness and ability. x The two principal roles, those of Carmen and Don Jose, will be sung by Miss Grace Nixon and Mr Hubert Carter, both of Christchurch. Miss Nixon possesses a mezzosoprano voice of the sparkling t type, which, combined with her abilities as a danseuse and actress, will greatly assist her in interpreting a vivacious character. Mr Carter’s ability is well known here, and it is pleasing to know that ho will sing once again on a Dunedin stage before sailing for England in a few weeks. In the bands of Mr Arthur Macdonald the part of Escamillo, the dashing toreador, could not find a more capable representative.- The part of Micaela, the ’other soprano role, will be shared over the four nights by Misses Betty Pocock and Beth Ritchie.