PHOTOS – Carmen at Limerick’s Milk Market

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Irish Chamber Orchestra & Ballet Ireland bring “Carmen” to Limerick’s Milk Market

Photos by Oisin Mc Hugh for ILoveLimerick.com 2014. All Rights Reserved

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Limerick City of Culture brings an iconoclastic adaptation of Carmen to Limerick’s Milk Market, a joint collaboration between the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Ballet Ireland, two of the country’s key cultural ambassadors.

 The Irish Chamber Orchestra announced details of its first ever collaboration with Ballet Ireland, as part of Limerick City of Culture 2014.  Together they present a stunning eclectic modern day ballet adaptation of Carmen, fully orchestrated, in the vibrant setting of Limerick’s open-air Milk Market on 29 & 30 May.

 Rodion Shchedrin’s popular and much-loved Carmen Suite is based on Bizet’s themes, but innovatively arranged for string orchestra and a colossal percussion ensemble. Originally conceived as a ballet for Shchedrin’s wife, the celebrated Bolshoi dancer Maya Plisetskaya, it is a fantastic mix of all the familiar tunes, dressed up in a way Bizet could never have imagined.  The big melodies are instantly recognisable and the dramatic power of the score is complimented by Shchredin’s intervention. “The ballet orchestra must sound several degrees “hotter” than an opera orchestra.  It must better project the story, make it sharper, more evident”, says Shchredrin.  Gábor Tákacs-Nagy conducts, bringing the entire Suite together to great aplomb. 

Against this fabulous score, this scorching tale unleashes the creative talents of Ballet Ireland’s choreographer in residence, Morgann Runacre-Temple.  This production of Carmen is a clever and provocative re-conceptualization that allows for further dramatic definition and greater theatrical scope. Set to Shchedrin’s evocative suite, Carmen features set design by Lorna Ritchie and costumes by Sarah White.

“Shchedrin described this iconoclastic production as a ‘creative meeting of the minds’ and on behalf of the Irish Chamber Orchestra we are delighted to partner with, for the first time, Ballet Ireland, one of the country’s foremost ensembles.  This unique celebration of dance in an open-air setting with full orchestra is progressive and exciting.   We thank Limerick City of Culture 2014 for their confidence in our production and the Arts Council of Ireland for their ongoing support of ICO initiatives” say ICO CEO, Gerard Keenan.

Ann Maher, Director of Ballet Ireland added “Having thrilled audiences last season, we are so pleased to have the opportunity to perform Carmenalongside the prestigious Irish Chamber Orchestra.  Presenting this ballet in this unique re-staging is a true testament to the exciting and innovative work that can be created for audiences when companies combine.  With the support from Limerick City of Culture 2014 and ongoing funding from the Arts Council, such initiatives are now possible”.

Sensuously passionate, the Irish Chamber Orchestra creates a special synergy with Ballet Ireland, in presenting an unforgettable Carmen by twilight at The Milk Market.  Book now on www.uch.ie

The UL-based Irish Chamber Orchestra and Ballet Ireland are funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.  See www.irishchamberorchestra.com  / www.balletireland.ie

Thursday 29 & Friday 30 May

The Milk Market, Limerick @ 8.30pm

Booking Information:  061-331549 or www.uch.ie

€20, €18 and €10

www.irishchamberorchestra.com

www.balletireland.ie