The secluded tropical setting of Velaa Private Island in the Noonu Atoll will present Georges Bizet’s Carmen featuring top international opera talent on March 22, 2022.

Velaa will offer guests a range of exclusive access and experiences throughout the Opera, giving them the unique opportunity to experience a new level of cultural immersion.

The guests will have the opportunity to spend a night at the iconic luxury resort, watching the opera under the stars on the beach, with a stunning sunset on the horizon as a backdrop. 

One of the most performed operas of all time, Georges Bizet’s Carmen, is a four-act opera with the story set in Seville, Spain, in around 1830.

The opera narrates the story of Don José, a naive soldier who is tempted by the wiles of Carmen, a fiery gypsy. José abandons his childhood beloved and refuses to serve in the military, but Carmen falls in love with the gorgeous torero Escamillo, whom José murders in a furious rage. The portrayals of proletariat life, immorality, lawlessness, and the tragic death of the main character on stage were groundbreaking in French opera and sparked heated debate.

Wayne Gate, General Manager, said: "At Velaa Private Island, we place a strong emphasis on immersive cultural encounters, and we aim to provide visitors with highly personalised and unique experiences."

"Our guests will enjoy watching a world-class opera played on the beach under the stars, as the Velaa provides the ideal setting for Carmen’s richness and sensuality."

Produced exclusively for Velaa by Aaron Grant and Michelle Magladi, the opera is directed by Sara Widzer of Los Angeles Opera and conducted by French-American Christopher Ocasek.

Briana Hunter from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, who Opera News hailed as ‘a mesmerising mezzo-soprano with a fiery theatrical presence and dynamic vocalism’ will sing for the role of Carmen.

Shawn Roth is set to star as Don José in the opera, while Diana Newman and Titus Muzi will round out the cast as Micala and Escamillo.

Visit https://www.velaaprivateisland.com for reservations.