Amidst buzz on the recent departure of its artistic director, Dennis Hanthorn, the Atlanta Opera opened its 2012-2013 season with Bizet’s Carmen to an enthusiastic reception on Saturday, November 10. The evening was led Carl and Sally Gable Music Director Arthur Fagen, whose polished baton emphasized the vitality and sparkling qualities of this familiar score. A clever leader, he understood the proclivities of his singers, and allowed them to luxuriate their lines when inspired without ever becoming a detriment to the dramatic gestures dictated by the score. He was also a match to the complexity of the piece, and successfully anchored the company in the most intricate sections, even managing to realign the massive act two finale when the ensemble got a tad out of sync.
Mezzo-soprano Maria José Montiel performs the role of Carmen in the Atlanta Opera’s production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Credit: Jeff Roffman