Sussex Kids To Star In New Production Of Carmen At Glyndebourne

Twelve Sussex-based children are performing in a new production of Bizet’s Carmen at Glyndebourne Festival 2024.

The Children’s Chorus features 10 girls and two boys from Glyndebourne Youth Opera (GYO) - all based within a 25 mile radius of Glyndebourne - joined by nine boys from Trinity Boys Choir.

The new production - from Tony-Award winning director Diane Paulus - sees the Children’s Chorus playing a more significant role than usual. During rehearsals, Paulus discovered a young singer with impressive acting skills, resulting in her performing in additional, pivotal story beats. The whole Children’s Chorus is also featured in more scenes than a typical Carmen performance, as they partner with older Glyndebourne Chorus members as relations in the story.

12-year old Esme, GYO member, said:

"There is a wonderful orchestra and lots of amazing singers, all working with set builders and directors and costume makers – Glyndebourne is a huge community all working together to create magic, the very best opera possible.

"There is nothing like standing on stage at the end when the curtain goes up and we step forward to take our bows, with the audience cheering and clapping!"

Elaine Hartley, Learning and Engagement Projects Manager at Glyndebourne, said:

"We are so thrilled to have a number of our GYO members performing in Carmen this season. They received specialist training from top industry professionals ahead of mainstage rehearsals, and have worked incredibly hard on the music and choreography, which shines through in their enthusiastic and engaging performance.

"Providing opportunities for young people local to Glyndebourne is an important part of our Learning & Engagement programme, and we always welcome new members. Taking part in GYO can also set young people on a path towards a professional opera career.

"Former-GYO singer George Reynolds is now a member of the Glyndebourne Chorus and has a solo in Carmen this summer - demonstrating how Glyndebourne’s development schemes discover, develop, and provide a platform for the stars of the future."

Carmen runs at Glyndebourne until 17 June, and 1-24 August 2024. Find out more at www.glyndebourne.com.