THE highly acclaimed Russian State Opera returns to Malvern Theatres next month as part of a UK wide tour with another stunning opera production, namely Bizet’s Carmen.

Producer Alexej Ignatow, of Amande Concerts Ltd, who has co-ordinated the UK tour, said: “We are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, to ensure that our opera audiences get a chance to experience a wide spectrum of classic pieces.”

So this Carmen features an impressive cast and is accompanied by a large live orchestra with over thirty musicians

A spokesman said: “Feel the thrill and passion of love, jealousy and violence of 19th Century Seville in one of Bizet’s most popular pieces.

“Its mix of fierce passion, gorgeous melodies, nail-biting dramatic confrontations and musical wit has found favour all over the world almost since its first performance in 1875.”

Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by Carmen, a free-spirited femme fatale. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen’s love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

The spokesman added: “The music of Carmen has been widely acclaimed for its brilliance of melody, harmony, atmosphere and orchestration, and for the skill with which Bizet musically represented the emotions and suffering of his characters.

“The ‘Toreador Song’ is among the best known of all operatic arias. The rich and colourful vigour of the gypsies’ scenes will have you on the edge of your seat, and the vibrancy, enthusiasm and intensity of the performance will reverberate long after the final curtain.”

The spokesman said: “If you’ve never tried opera before, you will love this full orchestra experience with fantastic colourful costumes, exquisite singing and the wonderful tunes.

“Love, treachery, passion and betrayal, Carmen has it all!”

The show takes place at Malvern Theatres on Sunday, October 14.