Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@kentuckysymphony and @nkusota joined forces this afternoon for a wonderful performance of what may be the most popular opera in all of Western classical music, Georges Bizet’s Carmen.
First performed in March 1875, only three months before Bizet’s untimely death at the age of 36 and based on a novella by Prosper Mérimée, its story explores the precipitous fall of Don José, a soldier who pines for the affections of the cigarette girl Carmen, while she in turn becomes entranced by the bullfighter Escamillo.
With a cast consisting primarily of local professional singers and students drawn from NKU’s opera program, it was a fantastic opportunity to introduce new audiences to grand opera, even if there were a few musical hiccups throughout.
Mezzo-soprano Kirsten Chávez in the title role possessed a fantastically sultry personality and vocal timbre, particularly in the final duet between Carmen and Don José. Tenor Matthew Pearce as Don José was equally fantastic, with a strong, resonant sound.
Baritone Morgan Smith as Escamillo was a perfect choice for the role, possessing a vibrant, well-rounded voice that perfectly matched the character’s personality. Soprano Meg Booker as Micaëla was incredibly charming, with a light, supple voice that displayed an innate youthful innocence. Wonderful contributions were also provided by tenor Henry Benson, baritones Stephen Hanna, Josh Turner and Alan Rendzak, soprano Kimberly Legel and mezzo-soprano Annie Hovey.
The NKU Choruses, Ignite Choir and Kentucky Symphony Orchestra under music director James R. Cassidy were great partners in this performance, despite several minor musical hiccups in the final two acts (ie. missed cues or out of sync entrances). Regardless, it was an enjoyable experience in the beautiful, if not entirely acoustically pleasing space of Greaves Concert Hall.
Looking forward to more of these collaborations in the years ahead.