In a series of matinees ending today, Hong Kong’s Musica Viva presented George Bizet’s Carmen to audiences of secondary school students for whom this was the likely the first (Western) opera performance most had ever attended. The version was (much) abridged: Micaëla, Don José’s intended is written out the work entirely. What’s left are the highlights: the Habanera, Seguidilla, The Flower Song, the finale, etc. Together with some extended (and interactive) Cantonese-language narration from author Prosper Mérimée, the entire performance clocks in at under 90 minutes. Still, it’s no mean feat to keep teenagers, even well-behaved Hong Kong teenagers, in their seats for an hour and a half without a break.
The veteran of the cast was Sammy Chien as the matador Escamillo. Samantha Chong was a lithe Carmen and Henry Ngan, in what probably his first lead, was a robust Don José. Actor William Lam was an engaging narrator. Vivian Ip was in the pit.
This production, a reprise of a 2016 project, is well worth repeating.