Opera Brava returns by popular demand after its first year at Hever Castle. 2015 looks set to be a sell-out, so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment - or enter Kent Life’s competition to win tickets

Now in its 27th year, for 2015 Opera Brava has assembled a fabulous cast of young, exciting and thrilling singers mixed with some international artists who perform in major opera houses, including Covent Garden, English National Opera and The Royal Opera House.

Their operas are fully staged, sung in English and accompanied by a piano and chamber ensemble.

The Candlelit Gala promises to have something for everyone. The programme contains a feast of opera’s most inspiring music that will create a positive and lasting impression in its audiences’ memories.

The first half includes such gems as the Lakmé Duet, the Pearl Fishers’ Duet, Rigoletto Quartet and many others.

The second half offers something a little different with a West Side Story medley, Lehar, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gershwin melodies and a popular medley from the Gilbert & Sullivan operas, all interspersed with informative and comic anecdotes.

Carmen lays claim to the title of ‘the most popular opera’ and certainly the music, full of extravagant melody and rich in operatic hits such as the Habanera and The Toreador’s Song, has captivated audiences over the decades.

A tale of forbidden passion between a young soldier and a fiery gypsy girl, Opera Brava takes hold of the dramatic story of Carmen and reveals how she deals with her love for two very different men.

With a sensational Carmen (above) and an international cast, this new production is vibrant with energy and passion and will leave you clambering for more, once you’ve wrung out your handkerchief...

READER COMPETITION

1) Win a pair of tickets for the Candlelit Opera Gala by answering this simple question.

Which famous airline uses the tune from the Opera Lakme?

A. Singapore Airlines

B. British Airways

C. Virgin Atlantic

2) Win a pair of tickets for the night of Carmen by answering this question:

In which city does the bullfight take place?

A. Seville

B. Madrid

C. Granada

Write your answer on a postcard and send it to either: Weald Candlelit Opera Gala Competition or Carmen Competition, Kent Life, Archant Kent, 81 Station Road, Ashford TN23 1PP. Don’t forget to include your name, address and a daytime telephone number on your entry, and be clear about which competition you are entering.

Alternatively, you can send your answer in by email. Please send it to editor@kent-life.co.uk, with Weald Candlelit Opera Gala Competition or Carmen Competition in the subject line, including your name, address and a daytime telephone number.

Closing date: 6 July 2015

The editor’s decision is final. Any entries received after the closing date will not be eligible for entry. Travel to and from the venue, plus any other expenses incurred are not included in the prize. Usual Archant competition rules apply.

Find out more

Candlelit Opera Gala

Friday 7 August, 8pm

Ticket price: Reserved covered seating, £25

Carmen

Saturday 8 August, 8pm

Ticket price: Reserved covered seating, £27.50

The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Box Office: 01732 866114 or book online at www.heverfestival-tickets.co.uk

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