Success has followed success in Annapolis Opera's 35th anniversary season, starting with an opening concert that many thought was the best ever, the traditional holiday Mozart concert and last month's 20th Vocal Competition.
These events were mere preludes to this season's major undertaking: a fully staged production of Georges Bizet's Carmen.
One of the world's most popular operas, Carmen boasts a fabulous melodic score that retains its excitement despite its familiarity.
Although Bizet had never set foot in Spain, he captured in his opera all the flavor and color of 19th century Seville. The opera presents street life and the environment of women working at a cigarette factory, the gypsy life of smuggling and the drama, passion and excitement of Carmen in that most seductive of mezzo arias -- "Habanera" (a Spanish predecessor of the tango) and later in her "Seguidille" (another sensuous Spanish dance).
Lending intense passion is the doomed love of Cpl. Don Jose who sings of his love in the aria "Flower Song" and soon gives up everything for Carmen, declaring his love until the end with his final words "O Carmen! Ma Carmen adoree" after stabbing her.
Providing contrast is the sweet hometown girl Micaela, who brings Jose news of his ailing mother and her message that Jose might consider marrying Micaela. Providing additional spice are Carmen's gypsy companions Frasquita and Mercedes, and their smuggling cohorts Dancairo and Remendado, who together with Carmen deliver an inspired quintet "Nos avons en tete," persuading the women that they are needed for a smuggling job.
Not to be forgotten is macho bullfighter Escamillo, who stirs up some extra passion with one of the greatest baritone solos ever.
Producing an acceptable Carmen requires a symphony-size orchestra, a large chorus, a ballet company and 10 excellent singers to fill the roles of gypsies, soldiers, a bullfighter and the forever fascinating, sensuous Carmen.
The cast was chosen in early fall when artistic director Ronald J. Gretz and stage director Braxton Peters auditioned more than 200 singers over six days. Both men came up with exactly the same singers for every role.
Weekend rehearsals lasting five or six hours a day began for principals and chorus in late January at Asbury Methodist Church on West Street. This month, daily rehearsals of five to seven hours were held for the singers, and the orchestra rehearsed in earnest.
As in the past two seasons, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will join in the presentation of Carmen. Dianna Cuatto of Ballet Theatre of Maryland said that a group of her dancers will perform.
Judging from last week's rehearsal, the audience will be treated to some spectacular singing. Leslie Mutchler will play Carmen, Richard Crawley is Don Jose, Jimi James is Escamillo, Danielle Talamantes is Micaela, Laura Choi Stuart is Frasquita, Erika Person is Mercedes, Kerry Jennings is Remendado, Charles Stanton is Dancairo, Jay Jung is Morales and Christopher Austin is Zuniga.
Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. March 7 and 3 p.m. March 9 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Ticket prices are $45 to $75.
Opera president Leah Solat said Friday that seats are "going fast." Call 410-280-5640.