A New Artistic Proposal

Opera Light

Within the framework of the artistic revival plan supported by the DRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine, we create a concept of lyrical shows, with orchestra, linking proximity, mobility, accessibility and quality.

From a condensed adaptation of a lyrical work of reference, a light orchestration (25 musicians) with 2 to 4 soloists in space, the opera opens to new audiences. This mobile and flexible « format » makes it possible to be close to the audience, especially in rural areas and their populations.

Opera Light is accompanied by mediation actions that allow for the active involvement of actors who are far from opera in the project.

Opera Light makes it possible to preserve all the dimensions of opera: dramatic, vocal and orchestral. It proposes a « lighter » opera, put in full « Light » for all audiences.

Opera Light allows us to

An Opera more "Light", put in full "Light for all audiences

01.

Creating a Collaborative Approach

between several regional artistic structures

02.

Supporting Cultural Employment

increasing the number of engagement opportunities for artists and technicians who have been severely affected by the health context

03.

Rediscovering the Flavors of Live Performance

by creating links between individuals

04.

Renewing our Artistic Proposals

with a new form of musical, theatrical and vocal narrative

Opera Light 2022

Carmen
une histoire andalouse

Musique from Georges BIZET

Story from Prosper MÉRIMÉE

Carmen : Anne-Sophie VINCENT (mezzo-soprano)

Don José : Jean GOYETCHE (ténor)

Prosper Mérimée : Paul REULET (actor – Cie Alecto)

Text and musical adaptation : Philippe MESTRES

Conductor : Philippe MESTRES

14 may 2022 – 20h00

Salle Frac – Sainte-Bazeille

Reduced Rate : 8€

Normal Rate : 10€

When the academician and archaeologist Prosper MÉRIMÉE left for Andalusia, on the tracks of an ancient Roman battle of Julius Caesar, he had no idea of the edifying encounters he was going to have. In particular, that of a certain Don José Lizarrabengoa, Basque, born in Elizondo, former cavalry brigadier in Seville, deserter, who became a smuggler, then condemned to death for the murder of a gypsy woman with whom he fell madly in love, Carmen…

With the evocation of this meeting, Prosper MÉRIMÉE tells us the shocking descent into hell of Don José.

Under the musical direction of Philippe MESTRES, large excerpts from Georges BIZET’s opera plunge us into this drama where the freedom of a woman, Carmen, ignores the morality of the time, as well as the jealousy of men.

The pedagogical project around « Carmen, an Andalusian story » allowed 6 classes of elementary school of Sainte-Bazeille, Marmande and Fourques-sur-Garonne to participate in 3 workshops: « Carmen and the Voice » with the intervention of Anne-Sophie Vincent (Mezzo), « Carmen and the Visual Arts » with the artist Inge Zorn Gautier and the actor Paul Reulet, and « Carmen and the School of the Spectator ». All the children were also able to meet, on several occasions, Philippe Mestres, conductor and musical director of the project. Some of them learned the Children’s Chorus of the first act of the opera « Carmen », others created and built elements of scenery. This project was carried out between January and May 2022 with the involvement of the teachers and, in particular, of Carole Maso, Plastic Arts Pedagogical Advisor of the Academic Inspection.