150 Years of Carmen: Mezzo Soprano Lynette van der Merwe on Passion, Betrayal & Timeless Opera
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Join host Lindi Tshabangu on JustGospel's Soul Foods as she sits down with acclaimed mezzo soprano Lynette van der Merwe, who takes on the iconic title role in Sempra Opera's production of Carmen at the Joburg Theater.
Celebrating 150 years since its premiere, Carmen remains one of opera's most powerful stories of passion, betrayal, and fatal obsession. Lynette, a founding member of Sempra Opera, shares her remarkable journey from her first professional role in The Sound of Music in 1992 to becoming one of South Africa's leading opera voices.
Key Discussion Points:
How Sempra Opera was born from the ashes of defunct arts councils in 2011
The universal themes in Carmen that mirror today's society - from toxic relationships to human trafficking
Why Carmen's character resonates with modern independent women
The psychology behind Don Jose's obsessive behavior and crimes of passion
Building a world-class production on a shoestring budget in South Africa
Nurturing young South African talent alongside international artists
The cultural exchange program bringing Croatian baritone Berislav Jarkovic to SA
Behind the Scenes:
Discover how Wagner's concept of "Gesamtkunstwerk" (total work of art) comes alive through the collaboration of 26 choir members, the Musaille Orchestra under conductor Daniel Keat, and a diverse cast including tenor Stefan Lowe as Don Jose.
"Free I was born and free I will die." - Lynette van der Merwe channeling Carmen's spirit
This conversation celebrates not just a timeless opera, but the resilience of South African arts and the passion of artists who make magic happen against all odds.
Performance Details: Carmen runs from the 17th-27th at Joburg Theater. Tickets available at www.joburgtheatre.com
Subscribe to JustGospel Radio and catch us live at www.justgospelradio.co.za
#JustGospel #SoulFoods #Opera #Carmen #SempreOpera #JoburgTheatre #SouthAfricanArts #ClassicalMusic
Celebrating 150 years since its premiere, Carmen remains one of opera's most powerful stories of passion, betrayal, and fatal obsession. Lynette, a founding member of Sempra Opera, shares her remarkable journey from her first professional role in The Sound of Music in 1992 to becoming one of South Africa's leading opera voices.
Key Discussion Points:
How Sempra Opera was born from the ashes of defunct arts councils in 2011
The universal themes in Carmen that mirror today's society - from toxic relationships to human trafficking
Why Carmen's character resonates with modern independent women
The psychology behind Don Jose's obsessive behavior and crimes of passion
Building a world-class production on a shoestring budget in South Africa
Nurturing young South African talent alongside international artists
The cultural exchange program bringing Croatian baritone Berislav Jarkovic to SA
Behind the Scenes:
Discover how Wagner's concept of "Gesamtkunstwerk" (total work of art) comes alive through the collaboration of 26 choir members, the Musaille Orchestra under conductor Daniel Keat, and a diverse cast including tenor Stefan Lowe as Don Jose.
"Free I was born and free I will die." - Lynette van der Merwe channeling Carmen's spirit
This conversation celebrates not just a timeless opera, but the resilience of South African arts and the passion of artists who make magic happen against all odds.
Performance Details: Carmen runs from the 17th-27th at Joburg Theater. Tickets available at www.joburgtheatre.com
Subscribe to JustGospel Radio and catch us live at www.justgospelradio.co.za
#JustGospel #SoulFoods #Opera #Carmen #SempreOpera #JoburgTheatre #SouthAfricanArts #ClassicalMusic
