FLICKY HARRISON falls under the spell of Bizet’s opera

Passion and jealousy simmer under the hot skies of Spain in Bizet's colourful opera Carmen.

Quality and traditional interpretations are the cornerstones of the Russian State Ballet and Opera House who are touring Europe again this autumn, stopping off at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre with their production of the popular Spanish opera.

When it was first performed in 1875, the fiery opera caused considerable controversy covering such subjects as immorality, betrayal, desertion and death.

The French composer, George Bizet, sadly didn't live to see his masterpiece become a huge success worldwide, as he died in that same year.

The tragic tale is based around the beautiful and seductive gipsy dancer, Carmen. A young soldier falls under her spell, ditches his childhood sweetheart, deserts from the army and follows his heart. Carmen then falls in love with a toreador and the soldier is filled with jealousy and kills her.

The Russian production is brought to the UK by Alexej Ignatow from Amande Concerts. Alexej followed in his family's footsteps by joining the business in 1998, he began by arranging concerts and operas in Germany.

The impresario said: "Unlike many other companies that travel to Europe with ballet and opera productions, we only focus on working with established theatres in the Russian Federation. These theatres have many years of experience and, most importantly, they have an established spine of directors and leaders from Russia's most respected artistic institutions.''

The singers and dancers will be performing more than 100 shows during the autumn tour. Alexej hopes to win more hearts over to the ballet and opera, proving it is not just for the elite.

He said: "Opera and ballet is often thought to be “difficult” and elitist, but this is not so. Both forms are timeless and, like any art, they need to be presented in an accessible and attractive way to the audience.''

More than 30 musicians make up the orchestra providing the soundtrack for the singers, and action on stage.

The Toreador song is one of the best known of all operatic arias and all Bizet's music creates the intense atmosphere of the opera.

Carmen is performed at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday, October 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets: £31.50 - £37.50 (inclusive of booking fee) from 01793 524481. - Flicky Harrison