The perfect storm of passion, drama, love and betrayal can be found in George Bizet’s popular opera Carmen, which is touring the UK and stopping off in Swindon.

The opera is based on the life of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by Carmen, a provocative and free-spirited femme fatale. José abandons his childhood sweetheart Michaela and deserts his job in the army to follow his obsession with Carmen but he soon loses her love as she falls for the glamorous toreador Escamillo. Don José passion for Carmen turns to a red rage of jealousy and tragedy soon follows.

Carmen is sung in French with English subtitles. The opera was first performed by the Opéra-Comique in Paris in March 1875, where it breaking of conventions shocked and scandalized its first audiences. Habanera and the Toreador Song became two of the most famous and popular pieces of music to come from an opera. The opera is based on a novella by Prosper Merimee. It is an adventure based on the travels through Spain of the author. It is said to have influenced Pushkin’s 1924 poem The Gypsies.

Producer Alexej of Amande Concerts Ltd creates the feel of 19th century Seville with all its colour and spectacle. He says for a smooth running tour he likes to keep everything simple. “I like to ensure that over 80 people for six to 10 weeks live like a large and happy family! My motto in life is: Whatever is done, is for the better!Alexej says he is a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to his love of opera and classical music.

“I must admit, I am very conservative and currently enjoy more mainstream titles. Maybe it’s because I’ve heard Puccini’s and Verdi’s masterpieces more often than others, but they somehow feel more relatable to me. Classical music is timeless!

“When performing operas and ballets, it is always exciting to imagine the time when the music was composed, and how it’s still so relevant and enjoyable today. I don’t think people will ever get tired of listening to classical music,’’ he said.

Amande Concerts Ltd work with established Russian State Theatres taking on board their vision and ideas. The very first UK tour organised by Alexej was in Autumn 2006, when the Russian Cossacks came to the UK for the first time.

Alexej said: “This was a great learning curve. You can never imagine and account for all the details that can happen when you are physically on tour. The best lesson was to be flexible and be able to quickly adapt to situations!’’

The Russian State Opera makes a welcome return to the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon with a full orchestra on Wednesday, September 5 at 7.30pm. Tickets are from £34 - £39 on 01793 524 481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison