CENTENNIAL, Colo. - June 20, 2011 –Colorado Public Radio (CPR) will broadcast Central City Opera's festival-opening performance of Georges Bizet's Carmen on Saturday evening, June 25, on its classical music stations statewide and online at www.cpr.org. This is the first-ever live broadcast from the historic opera house.
The broadcast of Carmen is the first live broadcast event included in CPR's Summerfest series. During Summerfest, music from various festivals and concert venues in Colorado and elsewhere in the West will be broadcast at 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer.
Classical Music Hosts Charley Samson and Monika Vischer will team up to present the Carmen broadcast and provide backstage interviews with performers and insightful commentary from behind the scenes. The broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. The opera begins at 8 p.m.
“Central City Opera is the fifth oldest opera company in the country and draws some of the world's most acclaimed opera professionals to Colorado,” said Vischer. “So it's probably time we did our premier broadcast from there.”
“When you're in the Central City Opera House you feel like you're part of history,” Samson added. “Experiencing live opera in an historic landmark like Central City is always fun. And they're known for their great ensemble shows. You'll see that with this show.”
“It’s a great piece to experience both for those who’ve never been to an opera before and for those who have been many times since this new production of Carmen is truly one like no other,” said Valerie Hamlin, director of marketing for Central City Opera. “Dubbed ‘cardio Carmen’ by the cast, our production is seen through the eyes of Metropolitan Opera director and choreographer Daniel Pelzig, who choreographed our West Side Story that people may remember from 2008. With his background in dance, this new look at Carmen features dynamic movement that really adds to the action, along with the amazing interpretation of Kirstin Chávez in the title role, who just embodies the essence of Carmen.”
Live broadcast events connect listeners to renowned musical performances taking place in venues throughout Colorado. Learn more about CPR's live broadcasts and the Summerfest series.
For more information on Central City Opera’s Carmen and the entire 2011 Festival, visit www.centralcityopera.org.
Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides 24-hour, in-depth news and classical music to about 450,000 listeners each week (Source: Arbitron, Spring / Fall 2010). More than 90 percent of CPR's funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses, and foundations.
Colorado Public Radio In-Depth News: Denver 90.1 FM and 1340 AM, Boulder 1490 AM, Pueblo 1230 AM, Vail 89.9 FM, Grand Junction 89.5 FM, Montrose / Craig / Parachute 88.3 FM, Gunnison 88.5 FM, Ouray 91.5 FM, Meeker / Rangely 91.1 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.
Colorado Public Radio Classical Music: Denver 88.1 FM, Boulder 99.9 FM, Pueblo 91.9 FM, Colorado Springs 94.7 FM, Glenwood Springs 90.5 FM, Aspen 101.5 FM, Western Slope 103.3 FM, Dove Creek 88.7 FM, Gunnison 89.1 FM, Cortez 102.5 FM, Crystal River Valley / Old Snowmass 93.9 FM, Thomasville 93.7 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.
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