‘CARMEN’

Evening Star, Issue 21751, 20 June 1934, Page 1

‘CARMEN ’

Generally speaking, it may be affirmed that in a grand opera audience there are those who go mainly to listen and those who go mainly to see. Those in the first classification are, of course, gratified if their appreciation of the music,is not lessened by a complicated and vague libretto, while those people whose primary delight is to follow an attractive story and enjoy the glamour of the stage are also doubly blessed if the singing and music be good. Some operas do not lend themselves readily to satisfying both’types of patron, but there are some which do, and in this category ‘ Carmen ’ must have a high place. With music of an infectious nature, a self-apparentf story, giving none the less ample scope for histrionic ability to show forth, Bizet’s opera has its popularity assured for all time, and when selecting it for, presentation on June 27, 28, 29, and 30 the Dunedin Grand Opera Club ma,dc a wise choice. The musical director, Mr Alfred Walmsley, has had the' work jwell in hand for some 1 time past, and the concerted numhers, such as the ‘ Smugglers’ Sextet ’■ and ‘ Card Trio,’ as well as the ordinary chorus work, : will' be attractions in themselves. It is a. colourful opera, vivid with passionate loves and jealousies of old Seville, and such artists as Miss Grace Nixon (Carmen) and Mr, Hubert Carter (Don Jose), of Christchurch, with Mr Arthur Macdonald (Escamillo), of Dunedin, can be relied on to supplement their vocal capabilities with animated interpretations of their roles. The minor parts will be sung, by Dunedin singers whose qualities have warranted this opportunity. On the effectiveness of staging and costuming any opera depends largely for success, and the club has] left no stone unturned in this direction. A well-balanced orchestra will be the other component of what promises to be a sparkling and artistic ensemble.