The Fresno State Opera Theater will join forces with the University’s Symphony Orchestra to perform Georges Bizet’s iconic opera “Carmen” at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 and 2 p.m. Mar. 1 in the Concert Hall on campus. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and seniors and $10 for students.
More than 100 Fresno State students are involved in the production of this classic French opera, which tells the story of Don Jose, a naïve soldier who is seduced by a gypsy named Carmen. On Friday night the title role will be performed by Tiffanie Trujillo, a junior vocal performance major from Fresno. During the Sunday matinee, the role of Carmen will be played by Alejandra Tejeda, a senior vocal performance major from Porterville.
This is the second collaboration between the Fresno State Opera Theatre and the Fresno State Symphony, following the joint production of La Bohème in 2012.
Carmen is produced by opera professor Dr. Anthony Radford, the symphony is conducted by Dr. Thomas Loewenheim and the production is directed and choreographed by theatre professor Ruth Griffin.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the Fresno State community to see opera live and close up in an intimate space. This performance provides an exciting chance to see opera as the true amalgamation of the art of music, drama, dance and visual art,” Radford said.
The University’s Concert Hall was adapted into an opera performance space by renting a stage. Radford said this will place the performers above the orchestra, which will be located on the floor. “The hall only seats about 300 people so this configuration creates a powerful, up-close experience that is unique for opera audiences.”
Related links:
Fresno State Opera Theatre
Fresno State Symphony Orchestra
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