Opera Southwest and the National Hispanic Cultural Center present a tribute to Bizet’s Carmen. Mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock intertwines tales of antiquity into a contemporary melodic masterpiece traversing eras and styles—from classical to flamenco to tango, medieval to contemporary. Featuring guitarist Andrés Vadin.
“Carmen. She epitomizes the essence of operatic femininity. Her persona has transcended into mainstream culture, embodying the archetype of the Femme Fatale. Carmen’s allure is unparalleled, her narrative steeped in intrigue and allure. Legend has it that the genesis of Carmen stemmed from a real-life Sephardic Jew, as envisioned by Prosper Mérimée, the author of the original novella. In Beyond Carmen, we delve into her Sephardic heritage, serenading in Ladino or “Judeo Spanish”, akin to ancient Castilian Spanish. We embrace the cadences, nuances, and tales of the marginalized diaspora, echoing the untold stories of fiercely resilient women in an era that feared their strength as perilous, enigmatic, and destined for oblivion.” – Audrey Babcock
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