OPERA '74's concert version of the popular opera Carmen incorporated youngsters from the Children's Amateur Theatre Society and was staged from one night only at the Victoria Hall.
The concert, featuring a 25-strong orchestra, won critical acclaim from watching National Operatic and Dramatic Association member Glyn Neary, who described it as "the musical treat of the year".
Carl Penlington-Williams led the orchestra which included students at the Royal Northern College of music. Karina Lucas was described as "striking" in the title role, and Mr Neary also singled out the "excellent tenor voice of Martin Toal" who portrayed Don Jose. Paul Gibson was also praised as a "worthy Escamillo".
Mr Neary told Centre Stage: "From the body language of all concerned it was apparent that there was a full-scale production desperately trying to escape the strictures of a concert version. A truly magical evening of vocal excellence."
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