Diana Soh’s opera, Carmen Case, triumphs at its world premiere in Poitiers

diana soh’s opera was met with much critical acclaim at its premiere in poitiers and we look forward to its return in 2024

Following a successful world première in Poitiers yesterday, Diana Soh's opera, Carmen Case, will return to stages in 2024 and 2025 for all the public to enjoy. The opera was led by a brilliant cast and ensemble of only 13 musicians, as well as a highly accomplished creative team; alongside Diana, Lucie Leguay conducted the score and Alexandra Lacroix stage directed the performance.

This new rendition of Bizet’s famous opera, Carmen, takes a new perspective, questioning both our empathy with Don José and our acceptance of Carmen’s death. ‘The Carmen Case’ takes us to court for José’s trial for murdering Carmen, with the added character of a Judge.  It mixes Bizet’s music (the music retraces the story up until Carmen’s death) and Diana Soh’s new composition (representing an interpretation of what happened, revealing what memory retains or omits).

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In a discussion of the opera on Radio France, it is remarked that the spectator is just as much a part of the action as the characters on stage; in the absence of a verdict, it is up to the spectator…to establish the degree of guilt of Don José. Your turn to judge.

Lucie Leguay says:

"I am extremely happy because in our time, making a Carmen like before does not really interest me. Updating it with a subject that is extremely present today, which is talked about everywhere and in all walks of life, I find that very strong. It makes it possible to give a new vision, a new intelligence to think about this Carmen there, and also to see her differently."

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

25th may 2023 | MusoSpace, singapore

PROGRAMME

New Work: Of the spaces between

for 6 instruments and electronics
Ensemble Æquilibium Singapore

24th June 2023 | ile de Saint SeineDenis, France

PROGRAMME

New Work: Ackee

for 6 female voices
Text: Marion Aubert
Ensemble Vocal Sequenza 93 (dir. Catherine Simonpietri)

15th jULY 2023 | Pavillion Noir, Festival d'Aix en Provence

PROGRAMME

New Work: Façons tragiques de tuer une femme

Chamber Opera for 3 singers, 2 actors, vocal ensemble and amplified object-orchestra
Direction: Lisenka Heijboer Castañón
Text: Sabryna Pierre