Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ from La Scala on WHRO-FM

This Saturday, WHRO-FM stays at Milan on the prestigious Teatro alla Scala to feature an iconic opera: Bizet’s “Carmen.” One of the most popular operas in the repertoire, “Carmen” combines unforgettable melodies, passionate drama and a story of love, jealousy and freedom.
Set in Seville, “Carmen” follows a fiercely independent gypsy woman who captures the heart of soldier Don José. Their passionate relationship quickly turns destructive when Carmen refuses to be controlled and falls in love with the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo. Don José, consumed by jealousy and obsession, ultimately kills Carmen in a devastating finale. Clémentine Margaine brings a rich, sensual and commanding mezzo-soprano to Carmen, perfectly suited to the character’s fiery temperament and irresistible charisma. Vittorio Grigolo offers a powerful, passionate and emotionally intense tenor as Don José, conveying both his tenderness and increasingly obsessive jealousy. Giorgi Manoshvili provides a deep, resonant and authoritative bass as Escamillo.
Myung-Whun Chung leads the orchestra with a dramatic, elegant and finely nuanced interpretation of Bizet’s score. The production is vibrant, atmospheric and theatrical, capturing both the sun-drenched sensuality of Seville and the darker, increasingly tragic side of Carmen’s story.
With its seductive melodies, powerful voices, vivid orchestral colors and intense emotional drama, this “Carmen” offers an exciting and highly theatrical addition to WFMT’s fall opera season. Tune in to WHRO-FM 90.3, or listen online via our Media Player, this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.