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Darius in Carmen O2

megham
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From Popstar to Operastar: Darius takes Carmen opera role by the horns

By Alistair Foster Last updated at 09:15am on 14.04.10

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He found fame with his cringe-worthy rendition of Britney Spears's Baby One More Time on ITV show Popstars in 2001. And when his resulting pop career waned, he reinvented himself as a West End star.

Now, after winning ITV's Popstar to Operastar, Darius Campbell has landed his first major operatic role as the lead in Carmen at the O2 arena.

The 29-year-old singer, who has changed his name from Darius Danesh to reflect his Scottish roots, will play Escamillo the toreador in a one-off performance next month.

 

On song: Darius Campbell

 

Classical music promoter Raymond Gubbay's production of Carmen involves 200 performers, including dancers, acrobats, fire-eaters and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Campbell's first single Colourblind and debut album Dive In topped the charts in 2002, but his follow-up album Live Twice only reached number 36. But he made something of a comeback when he landed the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago for two runs in 2005 and 2006, played Sky Masterson in Guys And Dolls in 2007 and Rhett Butler in the musical adaptation of Gone With The Wind in 2008.

 

This year he won Popstar to Operastar, during which he performed the aria Song Of The Toreador from Carmen.

 

Big show: Raymond Gubbay’s Carmen will play at the O2

 

He said: “It's an absolute privilege to undertake the role of Escamillo in Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding. This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started.”

Gubbay said: “I watched Darius's progress on Popstar to Operastar with great interest. To move from pop to opera is hugely ambitious but I know Darius's passion and dedication to this project will result in a very fine performance as Escamillo. We will be fully supporting him in his crossover into the classical music sphere.”

Producers of the show are promising a lavish affair, with extravagant sets and special effects. Bizet's score will be sung in English.

It is on for three nights from May 21-23, with Darius performing on the third night.

 

 

 

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This is on for two nights and Sunday afternoon at the moment. Unless they are going to stage an extra night - which they haven't thought of doing at the moment, it'll be the afternoon show. Do check before booking though.

Thanks Meg

 

From MY SPACE

 

Darius Campbell to Take Starring Role in Carmen at The O2

Exclusive performance for one show only

The world’s most popular opera comes to the world’s most popular music venue

Over 200 performers including dancers, acrobats and fire eaters

 

 

Darius Campbell has announced he will be performing in The O2's first opera, Raymond Gubbay's spectacular production of Carmen. This will be Darius' first major operatic role since he won ITV’s Popstar to Operastar. Darius will undertake the principal role of Escamillo on Sunday 23rd May at 2.30pm, whose world famous aria Song of the Toreador he sang in Popstar to Operastar, captivating millions of viewers.

 

Over 200 performers including dancers, acrobats, fire eaters and the wonderful Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will bring to life the dusty atmosphere of the town square, the cool night air of the smugglers’ mountain hideout, and the colourful festivities outside the bullring in Seville. Directed by David Freeman, founder of The Opera Factory and whose previous credits include Madam Butterfly, Tosca and Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall, this production of Bizet’s masterpiece comes to The O2 on a never seen before spectacular scale.

 

Darius commented: “It’s an absolute privilege to undertake the role of Escamillo in Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding. This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started. I want to personally thank Raymond and the rest of the production for allowing me to be part of what will no doubt be an incredible experience for all concerned, both cast and audience.”

 

Raymond Gubbay, impresario and classical music promoter, added: “It is a great pleasure to be welcoming Darius to this exciting project for his debut operatic performance. I watched Darius's progress on Popstar to Operastar with great interest. To move from pop to opera is hugely ambitious but I know Darius' passion and dedication to this project will result in a very fine performance as Escamillo. We will be fully supporting him and I look forward to seeing his career develop.”

 

Sung in English, Bizet’s unforgettable score contains some of opera’s finest arias and best loved music. The beguiling Seguidilla, the tantalising Habanera and the enchanting Flower Song - sensual music that perfectly captures the very essence of Spain. Conducted by Gareth Hancock, this world class company of singers, musicians and artists, together with a spectacular set and lavish costumes, will provide an unforgettable and epic production of Carmen.

 

The principle roles will be shared by Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole (as Carmen), John Hudson and Philip O’Brien (as Don Jose) with Kevin Greenlaw and Darius Campbell (as Escamillo).

 

The production is designed by David Roger whose previous credits include operas for English National Opera, Opera North and the Kirov; lighting by multi Tony Award winning Andrew Bridge (Phantom of the Opera, Fosse, Sunset Boulevard); choreographed by Robert North (former Artistic Director of Ballet Rambert, Teatro Regio (Torino) and Scottish Ballet) with sound design by Bobby Aitken and English translation by the acclaimed Amanda Holden.

 

This is The O2’s second collaboration with Raymond Gubbay after the hugely popular ‘Christmas Spectacular’ in December.

 

Performances of Carmen are:-

 

Friday 21 May @ 7.30pm

Saturday 22 May @ 7.30pm

Sunday 23 May @ 2.30pm (with Darius Campbell as Escamillo)

Tickets are available via www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202. Tickets are priced between £25 and £60 with a Gold Circle ticket at £95 which includes a complimentary souvenir programme. All tickets are subject to booking fees.

From http://www.wharf.co.uk/2010/04/pop-star-da...e-opera-st.html

 

 

Pop star Darius to be opera star at O2's Carmen

 

By Simon Hayes on April 14, 2010 10:09 AM | Tagged with: Bizet, Carmen, Darius Campbell, Raymond Gubbay, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The O2, opera, singing

Pop star turned opera star Darius Campbell will be taking the lead in role in the first opera to be staged at The O2.

 

Campbell, formerly known as Darius Danesh when he competed on the X Factor, will play Escamillo in Bizet's Carmen, which opens at the arena next month.

 

The singer, who won the recent ITV show Popstar to Operastar during which he sang the Toreador Song from the opera, will appear in the final show on May 23.

 

He was pleased to have won the role in the Raymond Gubbay production.

 

He said: "It's an absolute privilege to undertake the role of Escamillo in Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history.

 

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding.

 

"This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started. It will no doubt be an incredible experience for all concerned, both cast and audience."

 

The O2 production will be sung in English, with the principal roles shared by Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole as Carmen, John Hudson and Philip O'Brien as Don Jose, while Campbell will share the Escamillo role with Kevin Greenlaw.

 

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Guy Hancock, will provide the musical backing.

 

Carmen is at The O2 between May 21-23. Tickets are available from theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

  • Author

This was about the same as the others so I've deleted it

 

 

Edited by megham

just popped in to have a look..and OMG

what a suprise..

not sure if the O2 is feasable, it looks so far out the other side of London..I have never been there, daughters have for walking with Dinosaurs and it was quite a long journey they reckoned..will check with hubby.

 

I was wrong bout the up comin performance bein a taster of his album. This sounds great but dont think il b able 2 get there as its in London and i live in Preston 2 far i think. Shame! :(

Now that's what I call an announcement, spot on of course with my holidays,

 

I'm dead jealous, but of course I'm thrilled for everyone who can get there and for Darius. He is a fantastic performer. He will put everything he has into preparing for the role and he will work tirelessly.

 

The jubilee line takes you right to the O2.

 

I couldn't see anything on DS so I've opened a thread in music with the most basic statement.

Edited by Baytree

I cannot believe I'm thinking of attending an opera :o Having said that though, if someone had told me a few years back I would spend well in excess of £1000 on theatre tickets, I'd have laughed at them.

 

OK, so who's going?

I really would love to go to this... I have just checked ticket prices, which range from £28-75 to £67-25 and I have been offered Row F in Block 102 - the stage is in the middle of the auditorium and Block 102 is centre front. I have just checked the diary and find that I am supposed to be going to see Lee Mead that night with my husband and step-daughter!! :banghead: Anybody want a Lee Mead ticket!!?? :lol: :rolleyes:

 

Julie

 

P.S. I was told the performance was at 1.30p.m. Anyone know how long Carmen is?.... perhaps I could get back and see Lee Mead as well!!

Edited by Julia W

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Performance starts at 2:30, doors open at 1:30. I wouldn't want to miss this. The performance is in the round so you stand a good chance of a good seat whichever part of the circle you are in.
Help needed please. Are there any hotels near the arena, within walking distance and coming by train from Manchester would we have to catch another train to get to the arena or could we get there by taxi without it being far too expensive? I can't do the escalators at the tube stations. Sue
Help needed please. Are there any hotels near the arena, within walking distance and coming by train from Manchester would we have to catch another train to get to the arena or could we get there by taxi without it being far too expensive? I can't do the escalators at the tube stations. Sue

Do you go into Kings Cross?

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