California Philharmonic’s ‘“Carmen” Goes to the Movies’

Selections from George Bizet’s greatest opera, “Carmen” and classic film music by Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Elton John and others will be performed by the California Philharmonic, under the direction of Dr. Victor Vener at “‘Carmen’ Goes to the Movies” on Aug. 11 at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The concert begins at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 11, at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The ever popular “Talks With the Maestro” chats with Dr. Vener take place at 1 p.m. in in Disney’s BP Hall.

Tickets range from $37.50 to $140 available at www.calphil.com and (323) 850-2000. Groups of 10 or more may call (323) 850-2050. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12 noon to 5 p.m. and 2 hours prior to performance.

Tchaikovsky said Bizet’s 1875 opera would become “the most popular opera in the world.” Mezzo-Soprano Audrey Babcock, a record-holder when it comes to “Carmen” by performing in over 40 productions, returns from Barcelona to sing the title role.

Bass-Baritone Cedric Berry of LA Opera (and first prize winner at LA’s Artist of the Future Competition and winner at Italian Educator’s Vocal Competition), will sing two world-famous pieces: “The Toreador Song” from “Carmen” and “Old Man River” from Kern and Hammerstein’s “Show Boat.”

Annalise Staudt (Streisand Sony Fellow, American Theatre Wing’s SpringboardNYC and Second City) will sing “Air (Micaela’s Aria)” from “Carmen” and “The Sound of Music” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

The Cal Phil Chorale with Maestra Marya Basaraba will perform selections from “Carmen,” Ennio Morricone’s “The Mission,” Elton John’s “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King” and “Dry Your Tears Afrika” from “Amistad” by John Williams.

“The Emperor’s Roundup” on Aug. 18 features internationally known pianist Daniel Lessner performing Beethoven’s powerful “Emperor” Piano Concerto No. 5.  The concert roundup continues with Elmer Bernstein’s “The Magnificent Seven,” Aaron Copland’s “Billy the Kid” and Jerome Moross’ “The Big Country.”

For tickets and information, visit www.calphil.com or call (323) 850-2000.