Opera and theatre fans rejoice.

Start the new year with Singapore Lyric Opera's latest full length opera epic production, Bizet’s Carmen, at the Esplanade Theatre from 21-22; 24-25 January. 

Bizet’s Carmen, based on the novel by Prosper Merimee, is one of the dozen currently most famous and played operas around the world. The opera tells the story of the wilful Carmen, a beautiful Gypsy-girl with a bold temper, and her passionate love affair with Don José, a corporal in the regiment. Their relationship endures a series of trials and tribulations until Carmen turns to Escamillo, a bullfighter, for affections. Rejected by Carmen, Don José kills Carmen in a dramatic ending.

Directed by Mr David Edwards (London), Singapore Lyric Opera is also pleased to announce that Ms Sophie Fournier (France) will sing the title role of Carmen.

The opera tells the story of the wilful Carmen, a beautiful Gypsy-girl with a bold temper, and her passionate love affair with Don José, a corporal in the regiment. Their relationship endures a series of trials and tribulations until Carmen turns to Escamillo, a bullfighter, for affections. Rejected by Carmen, Don José kills Carmen in a dramatic ending.

The opera was first performed in March 1875 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. However, it was during its performance in Venice in October 1875 that Carmen was well praised by the likes of Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms and Pyotr Tchaikovksy, leading composers of their time. The opera remains famous till today.

Ms Ng Siew Eng, General Manager of SLO, says: “Carmen is a well-loved opera and there are many lovely tunes. Carmen is known for its rich and colourful scoring, which will appeal to our audience, even non-opera lovers as they would have heard them over and over again on radio, television and film. We all grew up hearing these tunes Habanera, Toreado Song, Le Voici, etc. Carmen is a very accessible opera. Audience will be assisted with surtitles in English and Chinese. We are also planning a talk at the Library at Esplanade come 15 January to help audiences appreciate the opera even further.

SLO is pleased to announce:

1] the Singapore opera debut of Singapore-born and now a resident conductor at the Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts – Joshua Kangming Tan who enjoys a flourishing conducting career.

2] to announce the main cast of Carmen:

*Ms Sophie Fournier [France] will sing the title role of Carmen. Ms Fournier has worked with leading French and European conductors, and had recently performed Carmen in France with great success.

*Lee Jae Wook [South Korea] as Don Jose. Audience will remember him as Prince Calaf in SLO’s Turandot [2008]

*Ms Li Yang [China/Singapore PR] as Micaela. Her debut role as Micaela. Last heard as Papagena in SLO’s The Magic Flute [July 2010]

*Mr Huang Rong Hai [China] as Escamillo. He is making his opera debut in Singapore. Formerly from Shanghai Opera.

Set design by David Edwards; Lighting Design by Lim Yu Beng; Choreography by Jeffrey Tan.

A night to remember, that evokes deep-rooted sentiments awaits you at Singapore Lyric Opera’s Carmen.

"When will I love you? Good lord, I don't know Maybe never, maybe tomorrow. But not today, that's certain. Love is a rebellious bird That nothing can tame....” ...Carmen