On April 23, 2010 I had the pleasure of going to see Carmen at the Rialto put on by Georgia State University School of Music. The performance was a wonderful one. The cast was diverse in regards to Undergraduate and Graduate Students. On the night in which I attend the lead of Carmen was performed by a graduating Masters student. The role of Carmen is very meaty, and the ability for the singer to provide the dark and rich colors of Carmen is important. On this night the role was preformed by a contralto. It would have been interesting to compare the following evening when a soprano would sing lead.
The performer however, that stole the show for me was a sophomore who sang the role of Micaela. Her voice was rich and bright and filled every inch of the auditorium. It was amazing to hear such a young singer perform that role with such clarity and precision. The Don Jose had a beautiful tenor voice. As he began the aria La fleur que tu m'avais jetée his voice expanded and as he approached the higher parts of his register I noticed similarities between his and Pavarotti. I believe the best man was chosen for the role of Escamilo. He was not only fully committed to the music but committed to the acting in which the role required. Anytime his character arrived on the stage it was his show. It is important that I noted this because his stage presence and acting made it easier for him to become Ecamillo naturally.
Each of the singers has tremendous potential in having a professional career in opera. In fact my favorite roles of the evening were Micaela, Don Jose, and Escamillo. I enjoyed the opera at Georgia State University. I believe that when I return to Atlanta for visits I will stop by to check out some other productions.
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