Amarillo Opera to stage 'Carmen' in a one-night-only spectacle on October 5

Amarillo is set for an evening of passion and drama as the Amarillo Opera presents Georges Bizet's iconic "Carmen" on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Directed by Fenlon Lamb and conducted by Jorge Parodi, this one-night-only performance promises to captivate with a fresh take on one of opera's most enduring classics. Tickets and more information are available on the Amarillo Opera's website .

Set in 19th-century Spain, "Carmen" tells the story of a free-spirited, seductive woman whose love triangle with soldier Don José and bullfighter Escamillo leads to betrayal and tragedy. Lamb, an experienced opera director who has staged several productions of "Carmen" across the U.S., views the opera as a timeless exploration of human emotions.

"This is an age-old tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal," Lamb explained. "It captures the passion and the raw reality of life in the late 1800s. We wanted to bring out that raw emotion in this production, allowing audiences to connect deeply with the characters and their struggles."

Lamb's approach to this production of "Carmen" is rooted in authenticity. She traveled to Seville, Spain, the opera's setting, to capture the essence of the city and its atmosphere. "I took photos of the bullring, the narrow streets, and the textures of Seville," she said. "These images inspired the visual elements of the set design. The projections on stage will help immerse the audience in the lush surroundings of the city."

The performance will be sung in French, with English supertitles projected to make it accessible to everyone. Lamb emphasized that the language is no barrier to understanding or feeling the intensity of the opera. "You don't need to understand French to connect with the passion of the music and the intensity of the performances," she said. "The emotions transcend language."

The cast for the Amarillo production includes mezzo-soprano Hilary Ginther in the title role. Lamb, who has previously performed the role of Carmen, praised Ginther's energy and fiery portrayal. "Hilary brings a vibrant energy to Carmen," Lamb said. "We've both lived this role, and it's incredible to watch her bring so much passion and nuance to the character."

Opposite Ginther, tenor Trey Smagur portrays Don José, the soldier whose obsessive love for Carmen leads to his downfall. "He has an incredible tenor voice and a commanding presence on stage," Lamb noted. "The chemistry between Hilary and Trey is electric, and it brings a new level of intensity to the story."

Rounding out the lead cast is Colin Ramsey as the confident bullfighter Escamillo, while soprano Cecilia Lopez plays Micaëla, the innocent woman from Don José's past. Lamb lauded the entire cast for their strong performances: "Each performer brings something special to the production, and their chemistry together is palpable."

Lamb's vision brings fresh dynamics to this timeless opera, while staying true to its emotional core. "Every version of 'Carmen' is different depending on the cast and director," she said, "but the essence remains the same — intense, raw emotion. The music and drama pull the audience in from the very beginning."

Conductor Jorge Parodi, leading the Amarillo Symphony orchestra for this performance, echoed Lamb's enthusiasm. "'Carmen' is part of what we call the ABCs of opera — 'Aida', 'La Bohème', and 'Carmen'," Parodi explained. "It's one of the most performed operas in the world, and for good reason. The music is powerful, and the story is timeless."

Having conducted "Carmen" three times before, Parodi brings a wealth of experience to the production. He highlighted the emotional depth of Bizet's score. "The music in 'Carmen' is incredibly dramatic," Parodi said. "Bizet builds tension and emotion in a way that grips the audience. While there are famous tunes like the 'Toreador Song' and the 'Habanera', there's also a deeper emotional journey within the music."

For Parodi, this production is not only a professional milestone but also a personal connection. Originally from Argentina, he noted that the landscape of Amarillo reminds him of his hometown of La Pampa. "The land here feels so much like where I grew up," he said. Now based in Houston, Parodi splits his time between his role as music director of the Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston and his faculty position at The Juilliard School in New York City.

Describing the conductor's role in opera, Parodi explained that he serves as the crucial link between the orchestra and the singers. "The orchestra in the pit can't hear the singers, and the singers can't hear the orchestra," he said. "It's my job to ensure that everyone is in sync, to shape the tempo, timing, and dynamics so that the drama flows seamlessly."

Despite having just four rehearsals with the orchestra, Parodi stressed that experience and precision allow the production to come together swiftly. "We have to go from zero to show in a very short amount of time," he said. "Knowing 'Carmen' so well helps guide the entire team toward a cohesive and powerful performance."

For audiences unfamiliar with opera, both Lamb and Parodi agree that "Carmen" is the perfect introduction. "'Carmen' has everything — love, passion, dancing, and larger-than-life characters," Lamb said. "It's what opera was meant to be: a big, epic adventure that immerses you in another world."

Parodi emphasized that opera is more accessible than many people think. "Opera is fun and engaging," he said. "You don't need to dress up or be an expert in classical music to enjoy it. Just come as you are and let the music and story carry you away."

With only one performance on October 5, Lamb and Parodi hope Amarillo residents will seize the opportunity to experience this world-class production. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or attending for the first time, "Carmen" promises a night of unforgettable music, powerful storytelling, and passionate performances.