Julie Nesrallah
The Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) will present a concert version of the beloved opera Carmen, featuring mezzo‑soprano Julie Nesrallah in the title role. The OCM will take the stage for two performances of Bizet’s abridged classic under the baton of conductor Boris Brott on March 8 and 9, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pierre‑Mercure Hall.
A tale of love, obsession and jealousy, Bizet’s Carmen is one of the most popular operas ever written. The OCM’s semi-staged adaptation focuses on the story’s four main characters: Carmen, sung by Lebanese-Canadian mezzo‑soprano Julie Nesrallah; Don José, played by Mexican-Canadian tenor Ernesto Ramírez; Micaëla, sung by Cameroonian-Canadian soprano Suzanne Taffot; and Escamillo, sung by Québec baritone Hugo Laporte. Centaur Theatre’s artistic director Eda Holmes will direct and Anne‑Catherine Simard‑Deraspe will provide the lighting design.
Julie Nesrallah is an extremely versatile singer and actress who dazzles audiences with her engaging personality and her rich, expressive voice. She regularly appears with opera companies, symphony orchestras, festivals, and chamber music ensembles throughout North America and around the world. Ms. Nesrallah is known to many as the Carmen due to her iconic interpretation of the role. She is also a popular radio personality, serving as the host of CBC Radio’s Tempo and CBC Television’s Solo.
Each concert of the OCM’s 82nd season, entitled Women of Distinction, honours a great woman from outside the music world who has left her mark on the community. To open the evening, the OCM will pay tribute to Moroccan‑born Québécoise Danièle Henkel, a highly successful businesswoman.
Carmen
By G. Bizet – Abridged concert version
Tuesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Pierre‑Mercure Hall
Julie Nesrallah (Carmen), mezzo‑soprano
Ernesto Ramirez (Don José), tenor
Suzanne Taffot (Micaëla), soprano
Hugo Laporte (Escamillo), baritone
Eda Holmes, director
Anne‑Catherine Simard‑Deraspe, lighting
Boris Brott, conductor
Orchestre classique de Montréal
In-person tickets: $25–$59
Online at orchestra.ca
