by EMILY DUNN
Intern Lifestyles Reporter

French composer Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen” is well-known for its timeless love story and vivid score.

Appalachian State University students will have an opportunity to see “Carmen” as part of the Performing Arts Series Friday Nov. 14.

Teatro Lirico D’Europa, a nonprofit opera company formed in Bulgaria that has performed worldwide since 1988, presents the opera.

“The company has completed over 4,000 performances and has been on tour in the U.S. for the last 10 consecutive seasons with never one single cancellation.” Jenny L. Kelly, Director of Teatro Lirico D’Europa, said.

As a former opera singer, Kelly is very involved in what she does.

Opera is “absolutely not” a dying art for young audiences, she said.

“We see many young people at our performances all over the U.S.,” Kelly said.

“Carmen” has played worldwide since 1875.

The story is set in Seville, Spain around 1830 and focuses on the Gypsy, Carmen and her love affairs with the corporal Don José, a soldier, and the bullfighter Escamillo.

The company has toured as many as five different operas in one season.

In the past few years, the company has had over 80 opera performances with a fall and winter tour in the United States.

“We would expect a decent turn out if the economy was not in crisis,” Kelly said. “But we have still seen many full houses.”

The company performs different operas every year. The diverse showings alternate at least every two years to make sure the same operas are not performed consistently.

“It can be challenging to secure high quality opera productions on tour, so we were thrilled to learn about this company, which has a great reputation,” Denise R. Ringler, Director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, said.

The company performs at a wide variety of venues ranging from universities to stages around the world. This will be the first time Teatro Lirico D’Europa performs at Appalachian.

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