The 101st edition of the Verona Arena Festival is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most prestigious opera festivals in the world. Since its inception in 1913, this festival has been a beacon of operatic excellence, drawing audiences from around the globe to witness grand productions in the ancient Roman Arena. The festival was founded to celebrate the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi’s birth, and it continues to be a celebration of opera in its most monumental form. Attending a performance here is not just about the music; it’s about being part of a tradition that connects the past to the present, set against the backdrop of Verona’s timeless beauty.
This time, the opera Carmen was on the program, and it was a true delight, a “bonbon” for me, as I know every word by heart and love hearing this opera. The last time I experienced it was not too long ago in Zurich, with Marina Viotti in the role of Carmen. This time, it was the sparkling Alisa Kolosova, who brought her unique charm to the character. It’s always a pleasure to hear a Carmen who sings excellent French, especially when it’s not her native language. Her Parisian training definitely shone through. Alisa’s agent, Constantin from Primafila Artist, deserves a mention too—he’s a golden-hearted person whom I often encounter in opera houses across Europe, always a joy to meet.
Francesco Meli took on the challenging role of Don José. Interestingly, I had heard him perform an aria from this opera during a recital at the Gstaad New Year’s Festival in January 2024. Meli handled the role with distinction, despite the difficulties Italian tenors often face when singing in French. Indeed, few Italian tenors have truly made their mark in this role, but Meli’s performance was commendable.
It’s always an immense pleasure to see Pretty Yende on stage. Her generosity, her smile, and her love for music are always evident. It had been a while since I last saw her, and I hope to see her again very soon. Her aria “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante” was the most applauded of the evening, a testament to her remarkable talent and the connection she effortlessly establishes with the audience.
Dalibor Jenis, in the role of Escamillo, delivered a solid performance. He was competent and reliable, though I would love to see him take on other roles where he might further showcase his capabilities.
The conductor, Leonardo Sini, was truly imperial from start to finish. Under his baton, the orchestra brought to life the stunning, albeit somewhat dated, production by Franco Zeffirelli. This production has graced Verona many times over the years, but it still manages to captivate the audience with its grandeur and timeless appeal.
In conclusion, the 101st Verona Arena Festival’s performance of Carmen was a resounding success. With a stellar cast, led by Alisa Kolosova, Francesco Meli, and Pretty Yende, and a commanding orchestral direction by Leonardo Sini, this was an evening that honored both the tradition of the festival and the enduring power of Bizet’s masterpiece.
CAST :
Conductor : Leonardo Sini
Carmen : Alisa Kolosova
Micaela : Pretty Yende
Frasquita : Daniela Cappiello
Mercédès : Alessia Nadin
Don Josè : Francesco Meli
Escamillo : Dalibor Jenis
Dancairo : Jan Antem
Remendado : Vincent Ordonneau
Zuniga : Gabriele Sagona
Morales : Fabio Previati
