CARMEN
THE best loved and most well-known of all operas is currently on a nationwide tour performed by the Russian State Opera who brought a 20 strong cast and full orchestra to the Pavilion which attracted a full house for the occasion.
Spanish passion is not something you usually associate with Russians and although the cast bore not the slightest resemblance to Spaniards, they did a pretty good job on the whole as they clicked their castanets and twirled their paso dobles in suitable style to the memorable musical score of Bizet.
The story of love gained, lost and betrayed is full of energy and life and soprano Galina Malikova was a convincing Carmen who captured the hearts of everyone around her.
In the role of her luckless lover Don Jose, tenor Mikhail Makarov’s vocal skills brought magic to the Flower Song aria but his acting ability is less rewarding, having as he does about the same level of charisma onstage as a wooden soldier.
In an unadorned set with few props, the large chorus of singers livened up the action during their scenes while the excellent orchestra under the baton of Azat Maksutov brought rapturous applause from the audience.
The Russian State Ballet company will be appearing at the Weymouth venue on Monday 10th October when they will be performing the Nutcracker and although the orchestra will be accompanying the dancers, it will be with a pre-recorded sound track rather than a live musical score.
MARION COX
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