Press Release

Opera51 Presents Bizet’s Carmen – June 7-9, 2019 in Concord, MA

George Bizet’s immensely popular Carmen is coming to the stage of 51 Walden in Concord on June 7, 8, and 9. These are fundraiser performances continuing Opera51’s long run of lavishly costumed productions fully staged with orchestra and projected English titles. Attendees have consistently praised the high artistic quality of Opera51 productions, and these performances are sure to please.

Peppered throughout with famous melodies most of us have known since childhood, the gypsy Carmen sings the sultry Habanera, a warning to all who would love her, and the crowd roars their admiration of dashing Escamillo in the Toreador song. During their break, the cigarette girls from the tobacco factory in Seville tease and tempt the local men with their alluring independence, and Don Jose and his childhood sweetheart Micaela tenderly recall their youth and Don Jose’s love for his mother. Forced to join Carmen’s band of gypsy smugglers after assaulting his commanding officer in a fit of jealousy over Carmen, Don Jose slowly is driven mad after Carmen spurns his affections and falls in love with Escamillo instead. Carmen maintains her fierce independence right to the very end, one of the most dramatic conclusions in all opera.

Conducted by Alan Yost and directed by Robin Farnsley, Carmen will be sung in French with projected English titles. Company members are all from the greater Boston area, many from metro-west. In addition to seasoned principal singers, the company has been able to give valuable performing opportunities to numerous talented young artists in the early years of their singing careers as well as many amateur singers and players who just love performing great operas with kindred souls.

Begun in 2007, this is Opera51’s thirteenth annual fundraiser production benefitting operation of The Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden in Concord, MA. This facility is a mainstay of community arts programs in Concord and environs, and is worthy of our support!

Carmen performances are Friday evening June 7 and Saturday evening June 8 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday afternoon June 9 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $30, $25 for seniors if bought in advance, and are available on-line at www.opera51.org or by calling 51 Walden at 978-369-7911.

For further information, contact Carole Wayland at 978-369-7911 or director@51walden.org.