The Sun Valley Opera's Education Outreach Program will present a screening of the French opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet at The Community School Theatre in Sun Valley on Sunday, April 5, from 4-6 p.m.
The opera is sung in French with English subtitles, and will give individuals and families a chance to experience this music form in a relaxed setting. Admission will be free—a great way to spend a Sunday during slack and save on entertainment dollars.
"Carmen" is considered one of the most entertaining operas of all time. It was first performed in 1875, and it has become a timeless masterpiece. The opera has an edge that appeals not only to classical music lovers but also to individuals who may not understand opera, as well as to younger generations. The lead singer is Spanish tenor Placido Domingo.
"Carmen" is about a transient, beautiful gypsy named Carmen who hangs around with gypsy smugglers. The opera begins with Carmen working in a large cigarette factory in Seville, Spain. Wherever she travels, trouble follows. Don Jose, a soldier, falls in love with her and ends up in jail as a result of his association with her.
"When Carmen opened, the critics thought it was scandalous that Bizet would compose an opera about a cigarette factory girl," said Sun Valley Opera co-President Frank Meyer. "Bizet died shortly after the failed show and never knew of its mass popularity. When Carmen exits the factory, she sings to the soldier in the familiar aria, 'Habanera,' 'If you decide to love me, you better watch out.' 'Carmen' is an example of how emotion is heightened in a play by the addition of music to the words. This applies to opera, musical theater and movies."
The music from "Carmen" is heard in movies, TV commercials, ice shows and popular events. Bizet also wrote the beautiful music of the opera "The Pearl Fishers."
Last year Sun Valley Opera's free screening was a sellout at the YMCA in Ketchum. A larger space was needed and The Community School's auditorium, which holds almost 200 people, will allow participants to view the film in comfort.
The screening of "Carmen" is part of Sun Valley Opera's Education Outreach Program, which will expose viewers to the beauty and charm of opera's music and staging. A co-president of Sun Valley Opera will give a brief commentary at the beginning of the film and during intermission. After the film, there will be an opportunity to ask questions about opera. Area music teachers have also been offered lesson plans on "Carmen."
A no-host, post-screening dinner will take place at Gretchen's restaurant in the Sun Valley Lodge with special menu prices of $20 and under. For reservations, call 622-2800.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
"Carmen" by Georges Bizet will screen at The Community School Theatre on Sunday, April 5.
