Adrian Timpau’s Escamillo was a dynamic presence bringing arrogant swagger and dexterous vocal control to Toreador, en garde.Īll of the supporting roles were sung by students from the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School with Morgan England-Jones an outstanding Michaela. The coupling of Kasarova and Arancam with their age differences, added a Sunset Boulevard older-woman/younger-man vibe to the scenario, which made for an interesting switch. Opposite her, and the star of the concert, was young Italian-Brazilian tenor Thiago Arancam as Don Jose - handsome, sensuous, with superb vocals, especially Act 2’s the “Flower Song”, and a simply beautiful “Letter Scene” duet with Michaela (Morgan England-Jones). Despite her top notes being secure, a frequent harshness of tone and intonation marred her opening sequence but she redeemed with an alluring Seguidilla. Dressed in a long-flowing evening gown with plunging neckline, she was a sexy and sultry cigarette girl, fiercely independent and a magnetic force. Performed as a concert, it was a bells-and-whistles grand affair with a Children’s Chorus, the Opera Q Chorus, guest dancers from the Queensland Ballet, students from Lisa Gasteen National Opera School, and three acclaimed international artists making their Australian debuts in principal roles - indeed, a surfeit of riches.īulgarian mezzo-soprano Vesselina Kasarova is a legendary Carmen, having performed the part frequently in European opera houses and even on DVD.

Carmen, the world's most popular opera, was a good choice for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra's final 2017 Gala.

Whisperings concerts