Orchestra, Chorus and Corps de Ballet of the Arena di Verona Benjamin Britten Children’s Choir, Alain Lombard (conductor) & Franco Zeffirelli (director)
Running Time: 150 min
Picture Format: 16:9
Sound Format: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
Menu Languages NTSC: GB
Subtitle Languages NTSC: D, F, GB, I, SP
DVD Video - 2 discs
$39.50
Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days.
Set Design by Giuseppe De Filippi Venezia & Costumes by Anna Anni
Two opera highlights are brought together on this DVD: Bizet’s “Carmen” - one of the most beloved operas – staged at the world-famous Arena di Verona. This opulent production was directed by Franco Zeffirelli and sung by an international cast of excellent singer-actors.
The DVD captures a warm summer’s evening in July 2003 when thousands of spectators gathered for the passionate tale of the self-willed gypsy Carmen, staged in front of the imposing backdrop of the Roman amphitheatre, the “Arena di Verona”. Directed by renowned film director Franco Zeffirelli, well-versed in historical (“Jesus of Nazareth”) and operatic (“Callas Forever”) subjects, the famous opera was staged as a colourful feast for the eyes, true to its source and convincingly acted by soloists, chorus and ballet alike. Conducted by Alain Lombard, one of the most experienced opera conductors in Europe, it is a gloriously sung musical experience with one of the most sought after Carmen singers, Marina Domashenko in the title role partnered by Marco Berti in an admirable portrayal of the role of Don José.
Verona’s amphitheatre - known as the ‘arena’ provides an atmospheric setting for the summer festival that assembles the stars of the international opera scene each year. The amphitheatre, which is the second largest of its kind after the Colosseum in Rome, has provided a splendid stage for opera festivals since 1913, its size making it an ideal venue for the presentation of all kinds of events and spectacles.
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