June 5, 2007 > Festival Opera to present Bizet's Carmen Festival Opera to present Bizet's Carmen Submitted By Lyla Foggia Festival Opera will present one of the world's most popular operas, Georges Bizet's masterpiece, Carmen. One of the most challenging productions ever mounted by the Walnut Creek-based company, Carmen will feature a distinguished cast of principals - including one of New York City Opera's regular guest tenors and two of San Francisco Opera's Adler Fellows. Filled with familiar melodies, Bizet's classic follows the tumultuous story of the alluring Spanish gypsy, Carmen, as she first inspires the passion of the young soldier, Don Josˇ, then provokes his jealous rage by transferring her favors to the brash toreador, Escamillo. From the seductive habanera that Carmen uses to bewitch the naive Don Josˇ, to the toreador's brash description of his triumphs in the ring, Bizet's memorable music has enchanted audiences for more than a century. This special event is scheduled for four performances only - July 7, 10, 13 at 8:00 pm and July 15 at 2:00 pm - at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Tickets are $36 - $100 for adults; $26 - $90 for ages 18 and under. To reserve seats, order tickets early through www.FestivalOpera.com or by calling (925) 943-SHOW. For more information, go to www.FestivalOpera.com. Carmen will be sung in French with English supertitles. Georges Bizet's CARMEN July 7, 10, 13. Matinee: 2 pm on July 15 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek (925) 943-SHOW $36 - $100 ($10 discount for ages 18 and under) www.FestivalOpera.com.