The WACA recently played host to Bizet’s indisputable masterpiece Carmen as the Ground was transformed into a sizzling Spanish escape across two nights.
The outdoor arena spectacular was presented by West Australian Opera in association with Perth Festival, and marked the first time the historic Ground had hosted an opera.
Over 150 singers and musicians performed over two magnificent nights with WA Cricket Head Chef David Winnett curating a special Spanish-inspired menu for patrons who attended the event.
Carmen tells the story of a bold, daring, working class woman who lives life as a free spirit. She sets her sights on Escamillo, inciting jealously in her powerful lover Don José. Audiences were taken on a thrilling journey to see if Carmen could outsmart her lover, or if her betrayal would lead to shocking consequences.
Australia’s finest singers brought this unforgettable story to life through arias such as the famous Habanera and the Toreador’s Song with tremendous local talent from the West Australian Opera Chorus, the WAO Children’s Chorus featuring the next generation of rising stars, and the full might of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
One of opera’s greatest dramas played out on a custom-built stage, comprising more than 115-tonnes of equipment, in front of more than eight-thousand patrons over two nights.
WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews was thrilled to see the opera come to life at the WACA Ground.
“WA Cricket is delighted to have hosted a spectacular performance of the calibre of Carmen at the historic WACA Ground,” Matthews said.
“The Ground has been the scene of many epic sporting conflicts and it was terrific to see one of opera’s greatest dramas play out on the hallowed turf.
“We are proud to have hosted thousands of Western Australians at this event and look forward to welcoming many more in the future through the WACA Ground Improvement Project.”
Through the $157 million WACA Ground Improvement Project, WA Cricket is transforming the Ground into a 10,000-seat multisport, entertainment and community facility, open to the public year-round.
The Ground’s new state-of-the-art lighting system was be utilised for Carmen with colour and programmable LED effects incorporated for maximum visual impact. The five iconic light towers are now the most sophisticated lighting system at a sporting venue anywhere in Australia.
The Project is a key part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, a joint agreement between the three levels of government.