THE ARTS BY SUSAN B. APEL PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPERA NORTH
JOINING
HANDS VOICES AND
OPERA NORTH AND UPPER VALLEY MUSIC CENTER PRESENT CARMEN
Whether or not you are an opera aficionado,
chances are you could recognize and maybe even hum along to “The Toreador Song” from Carmen. In its 2023 season, Opera North is once again showcasing its penchant for innovation in its upcoming production of this much-loved opera by engaging in a close and exciting collaboration with the Upper Valley Music Center (UVMC), a music education organization located in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Top: An aerial view of Blow-Me-Down Farm in Cornish, New Hampshire, home to Opera North’s Summerfest productions. Above: Maestro Louis Burkot hands over conducting duties to a young patron at the conclusion of a summer performance. Photo by Lars Blackmore.
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A Natural Pairing Carmen by Georges Bizet has always had a children’s chorus as part of the cast. In planning for this production, conversations among Opera North’s Artistic Director Louis Burkot, UVMC’s Executive Director Benjamin Van Vliet, and UVMC Voice Program Coordinator Jennifer Hansen led to what seemed a natural pairing of the two organizations. Opera North would, as it does every summer season, produce a fully staged performance with professional opera artists; UVMC would select, train, and provide between 8 and 14 young singers. For Opera North (ON), Louis has been working to recreate opera that is oriented toward the particular outdoor performance space at Blow-Me-Down Farm. This production of Carmen is shorter