Opera Prelude: ‘Bizet: The Pioneer in the Shadows’ Carmen – The Immortal Legacy of Bizet’s Short Life.

Lewis Gaston(conductor), Rosie Clifford(soprano), Richard Dowling(tenor) and Laurie O’Brien(piano)

Carmen (1875), Bizet’s signature piece. With the chorus on strike due to the difficulty of the opera’s music, an out of tune Done Jose for the premier and cries of ‘Wagnerism’ from the critics, Bizet never went back after the first night. He later died after the 33rd performance at the age of 36. In March 1875 Tchaikovsky claimed it would one day be the most popular opera in the world.

Opera Prelude is a small charity passionate about supporting young professional opera singers who give lecture recitals in London. These friendly and inclusive events will introduce you to the international opera singers of tomorrow by way of recitals, concerts and masterclasses.