On August 24, Luca Pisaroni stars as Escamillo in a concert version of Bizet’s Carmen at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival.  Founded by the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, this year marks the 63^rd anniversary of the festival, which consists of more than 50 concerts over seven weeks, with a vast array of famous soloists and ensembles alike. Pisaroni made his debut as Escamillo just last month in Barrie Kosky’s production at the Royal Opera House. Operawire praised his “poised bass-baritone” stating:

“His “Votre toast” was arguably the highlight of the evening with the baritone dancing on the perilous staircases and even singing while being carried in the air. His voice was a perfect compliment for the middle and lower reaches of the role, and he managed to use all of his vocal resources to get through the higher sections littered throughout the opera.”

The spectacular cast will include Gaëlle Arquez as the title role, Marcelo Alvarez as Don José, Julie Fuchs as Micaëla, Uliana Alexyuk as Frasquita, Sinéad O’Kelly as Mercédès, Manuel Walser as Le Dancaïre, Omer Kobiljak as Le Remendado, Alexander Kiechle as Zuniga, and Dean Murphy as Moralès. Marco Armiliato conducts the Philharmonia Zurich and the Philharmonic Choir Brno.