Thank you to Daniela Candillari and Rodula Gaitanou for sharing their experiences, creative processes, and views on the opera Carmen with the Forum. Daniela Candillari, Opera Theatre’s new Principal Conductor, and Rodula Gaitanou, internationally acclaimed director, gave us a peak behind the curtain into what it’s like to captain an opera production. They shared the vision that they have for their upcoming edition of Carmen at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. While many see Carmen as a victim or “femme fatale,” these women are approaching the opera and the character of Carmen from a different angle. Additionally, they shared how their personal experiences have influenced their creative process. A highlight of the evening was one of the performers giving a small sample of the music from Carmen, an intimate and profoundly beautiful performance. A special thank you to Forum Member Nicole Freber for moderating this event, and to Elma Kanefield for hosting.
Carmen, both directed and conducted by women, will play at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis May 21 – June 25.