Festival Theatre, Malvern – 10th April 2022
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Ellen Kent Opera Productions once again return to Malvern, this time with Bizet’s masterpiece Carmen performed by the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera, Kyiv.
The story concerns Don José falling for the obvious (though morally dubious) charms of Carmen, abandoning his former life (soldiering, a sweetheart and his elderly mother) and becoming jealous of the attention she garners wherever she goes which (being an opera) does not end well.
The orchestra, masterfully conducted by Nicolae Dohotaru, were on sparkling form right from the first notes. They were articulate, passionate and as tight as a toreador’s trousers. Everything you could want to transport you to the sensuous delights of Seville; evoked at curtain rise by an impressive plaza set and populated by the chorus in their enchanting costumes – a sensual feast!
Don José (played by Sorin Lupu) was a commanding presence as our leading man. His singing was both muscular and tender as the scene demanded. I particularly enjoyed his pianissimo high notes during the “Flower Song” and his affecting acting in the finale. A bravura performance.
And then there’s Carmen (played by Katerina Timbaliuk), who everyone falls in love with – and I was no exception. Carmen wastes no time getting straight into one of the most famous opera arias ever, the “Habanera”; a personal manifesto! An incredible portrayal which captured the Spanish spirit so well; quiet intensity juxtaposed with the Iberian love of passionate gestures and rambunctious vocal outbursts! I marvelled at Timbaliuk’s mellifluous tone as I was carried along on her every note. I was extremely impressed with her natural, self confident ease in a portrayal that totally nailed the character.
Playful and flamboyant , the chorus were sheer joy throughout! I particularly enjoyed their dramatic opening act fight scene which they looked like they were enjoying performing just as much as I was watching it! They surpassed that though with the wonderful gypsy dancing and singing in the festive scene in act 2. There’s something about the twirling of hair, skirt and hands whilst castanets (or tambourines) are playing that makes the senses reel. Ah, España!
Escamillo (played by Racovita Petru) enters for another uproarious highlight; the “Toreador Song”, with a perfect character study of the egotistical Matador. But when that chorus (them again) joined in, it was breathtaking!
Micaela’s big moment comes with her third act aria, bringing a wonderfully moving performance from Alyona Kistenyova as she conveyed her character’s piercing internal anguish with impressively heartfelt singing!
The curtain descended to rousing applause and deserved standing ovations. The intensity of feeling rose further once the Ukranian flag came out and their National Anthem was sung. I hope our applause and cheers conveyed to all involved how much we support Ukraine at this dreadful time.
This opera, like Spain (and Carmen herself), is gorgeous, alluring and untamed! Another triumphant night to thrill the senses, transport you to a better place and make you feel passionate once more. I cannot wait to see all concerned in future productions. ¡Perfección total! A 100% must see.