SEVILLE, Spain Seville has long been known for its charming and
romantic settings. So it is not surprising that the city has
managed to capitalize on this backdrop during the First Seville
International Music Festival.
Scheduled for Sept. 2-10, the event will feature music from
around the world, including concerts by the Russian National
Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, as well as flamenco shows.
The highlight of the festival, however, will be a performance of
Georges Bizet’s opera, “Carmen.”
Performed nightly, this production is the most ambitious version
of “Carmen” ever. With a budget of about $26.5 million, the four
acts will be performed at its original sites for the first time in
over a hundred years. Visitors will be able to follow the roving
performance around to city landmarks the fourth act will be staged
at the Plaza de Toros de la Maesranza (a bullfighting arena).
Producer Michael Ecker, best known for using the Forbidden City
in Beijing for a production of Puccini’s “Turandot” in 1998, will
again use actual city sites. Buses and horse drawn carriages will
transport audience members between acts, but people will also be
given ample time for strolling through Seville’s promenades.
For the travel professional, the Seville International Music
Festival has organized a variety of one- to three-day travel
packages ranging from one- to five-star accommodations. Agents
receive 10 to 18 percent commissions depending on specific packages
booked. (Packages start at about $595 per person.)
With 122 operas set in Seville, the Seville International Music
Festival may provide commission opportunities for years to come.
Future headliners include “Fidelio” in 2005 and “Don Giovanni” in
2006. Tickets are on sale now.
For More Information
First Seville International Music Festival 2004
34-954-50-66-10; www.carmeninsevilla.com or
www.sevillafestival.org
E-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]
Tourist Office of Spain, in Los Angeles: 323-658-7188;
www.tourspain.es
