Carmen: Bringing a Legend to Life

Bringing a Legend to Life

by Taylor Raven, mezzo-soprano

High on the dream role list for most mezzo-sopranos is the elusive title character in Bizet’s Carmen. The point in a singer’s career in which they take on this part is inevitably a pivotal moment—and for good reason. Careers have been made and stars born overnight based on the performances of this coveted role. This summer DMMO audiences will see rising star Taylor Raven (pictured) in her first performance as Carmen. As she prepares for this big moment, she reflects on what it means to her.

Carmen is iconic. The score is woven into the fabric of popular culture. People with no knowledge of opera will recognize its themes from the overture and the Habanera. Opera companies program it often because of its mainstream appeal. Despite its regular programming, there is always a new treasure to uncover in the music. I’ve admired many different interpretations of the role by a diverse group of amazing artists. I find it fascinating how unique each person’s portrayal can be and how each performer brings something fresh to the character. The question for me now is: How do I find an interpretation of the role that is authentic to me?

I have in some way or another been preparing to sing the role since I began my young artist training, from singing her arias at countless functions and parties, performing scenes and study-covering the role. I’ve become familiar with the score slowly in pieces over time, taking on chunks here and there as I grew into myself as an artist. I have taken private French lessons over the past few years to familiarize myself with the spoken language and worked her major scenes with acting coaches. I’ve worked through the role with my teacher and coached the diction so that the sung French is clear but vocally free. There is also the important matter of getting the music into your body. She is an extremely active character, the music an extension of her quick thinking and calculated movement. The role requires a high level of physical and mental stamina, and she has to demonstrate this physical and vocal athleticism all while making it look easy.

There are several layers beyond the music that require specific thought and planning. Who are the Romani people? How does a life of hustle, constant travel and dispossession affect one’s mind and body? How does it affect their motives? Who would this woman be today? Who is telling her story and do they have bias and/or privilege that should be considered? As a woman of color, I find an even greater sense of responsibility to embody and emphasize Carmen’s intelligence. She is a highly sexualized character and that can easily overshadow her intellect and humanity. She has an acute social acumen that gives her a subtle power over anyone she meets. How will I embody that? How will I move, speak and think on stage to serve that narrative and avoid becoming a caricature? Many of these questions will be answered in the rehearsal room but these talks with myself are all a part of the preparation needed to take on a character as nuanced and dynamic as Carmen.

Be a part of this special moment this summer as Carmen returns to the Des Moines Metro Opera stage for seven performances between June 30 and July 23.