Passions ignite as Bizet's final work opens the Florentine Opera's 2012-2013 season. Carmen, one of opera's most beloved classics, returns to the Florentine Opera stage with a stunningly superb cast of international chart-topping recording artists. Listed below are the critically-acclaimed recordings featuring Audrey Babcock (Carmen), Noah Stewart (Don José), Keith Phares (Escamillo) and Maestro Joseph Rescigno (Principal Conductor) from the cast of this fiery production of Carmen:

 

Audrey Babcock

Recording under the name Aviva, Audrey Babcock released her debut album with Global Perspective Records entitled Songs for Carmen. "Beyond Carmen," a tour of concert halls and clubs throughout the US with Flamenco Guitarist, Dan Nadel, followed the debut release. The album is sung in Ladino, a form of ancient Spanish spoken by the Saphardi (Jewish people of the Iberian peninsula). The Miami Herald praised the album's "Dusky, sexy theatricality...," while The Washington Post hails its "Extraordinary power and dramatic impact..." You can purchase Songs for Carmen on cdbaby and listen to the tracks on www.aviva-music.com.  

 

Noah Stewart

Harlem-born, Noah Stewart released his first solo album, Noah, and it has climbed to the top of the classical charts in the UK, making him the first African-American artist to achieve this honor. Anne Midgette of The Washington Post has praised his "white hot talent and conviction," while The Euro Corner comments on the recording that "His rich voice has resonance and commands attention, captivating the ear and the emotion as exemplified by the stirring Without a Song." You can purchase Noah on Amazon, HMV, Play, or iTunes. You can find him in his new music video and in his recent NPR interview "From 'Opera Boy' to Singer". 

See a review for Noah Stewart's album here. 

 

Keith Phares

The two-time Grammy Award-winning recording of the Florentine Opera's Midwest premiere of Elmer Gantry (performances on March 19 & 21, 2010) at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts was released in 2011. Keith Phares (Elmer in Elmer Gantry) commands stage presence with his warm baritone and vocal authority. Opera News wrote, "Keith Phares' scrupulously rendered Elmer Gantry appears a strong contender for iconographic recognition. Beautifully vocalized and bursting with charismatic smarm (think Burt Lancaster with buttery legato), Phares's achievement will prove a difficult act to follow." To order your copy, visit   iTunes, Naxos, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

 

Maestro Joseph Rescigno

This season Maestro Joseph Rescigno celebrates 30 years as Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the Florentine Opera Company. The Maestro conducted for the Florentine Opera's world-premiere recording of Don Davis and Kate Gale's Rio de Sangre (performances on October 22, 23, & 24, 2010) at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Opera News wrote,"Rìo de Sangre is performed magnificently under the obviously skilled Joseph Rescigno." Read the full review from Opera News Magazine here. To order your copy, visit Albany Records, Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

 

 

These four extraordinary performers will unite to ignite the passions of Bizet's Carmen onstage at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall, Oct. 26, 2012 (7:30pm) and again on Oct 28, 2012 (2:30pm).  Subscriptions are on sale now with single tickets available Sept. 9, 2012. Call 414-291-5700 ext. 224 for tickets and subscription info.