Waltham Forest Pupils Celebrate 150 Years of Bizet’s Carmen with Unique Production

Waltham Forest Music Service tell us about their recent production of Carmen at Big Penny Social in partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera. This innovative production celebrated the life of composer George Bizet, as the opera reaches its 150th anniversary.

Carmen The Opera

Over 600 young performers from Waltham Forest came together to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s iconic opera, Carmen, in a special production titled This Is Carmen. The event, held at Big Penny Social on 2^nd and 3^rd July, featured a diverse array of talent, including members of the Little Choir of Joy, Waltham Forest Youth Orchestra, and All the Young Dudes Guitar Group, as well as a massed choir from 17 local primary schools.

The production, created and directed by Italian soprano and choir leader Maya Sapone, was a collaborative effort between Waltham Forest Music Service and the Royal Ballet and Opera. It aimed to introduce young people to the rich musical and storytelling traditions of opera. The unique retelling of Carmen explored the life of composer Georges Bizet and the creation of his masterpiece, first performed in 1875.

Audiences were treated to beloved pieces such as the “Habanera” and the “Toreador Song,” alongside newly composed music like “Flamenco Dance,” created specifically for this production. The young performers were encouraged to contribute their own ideas during rehearsals, resulting in a truly unique and engaging performance.

The success of This Is Carmen marks the third opera project undertaken by Waltham Forest Music Service in partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera, highlighting their ongoing commitment to fostering a love for opera among young people.

For more information about future projects and musical opportunities, visit the Waltham Forest Music Service website.