A full-length production of Bizet's opera Carmen, sung in English, could be on the cards for the Bermuda Festival 2001, and while there is "immense optimism'' that such an ambitious undertaking will come to pass, certain factors must be evaluated before a green light is given.

"At the moment this is a consultation between the Bermuda Festival and the English Pocket Opera Company to see if it is feasible to do Carmen,'' Festival chairman Geoffrey Moore explains. "This is a very substantial and ambitious project, and to produce such an opera in Bermuda by the Festival would be very expensive if we were to use complete outside resources. However, if we can involve the resident community in the production we think there is an excellent chance the project will succeed.

"It is not only a matter of whether we have the talent, but if we are capable of meeting the costs of putting on this production from our sources of ticket sales, benefactors and sponsors. We expect a decision to be made by the end of March.'' Meanwhile, award-winning British music director Mark Dorrell, who secured the performing rights for and was conductor of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society's sell-out production of Les Miserables in 1998, and equally eminent British artistic director Mark Tinkler will be holding auditions on behalf of the Bermuda Festival between March 5 and 8 for aspiring participants in both the adult and children's choruses (see details below).

Certainly, this offers an exciting prospect for anyone interested in singing, for Carmen, set in Spain circa 1820, and filled with delightful music, is arguably the world's most performed opera since its March 3, 1875 premiere at the Opera-Comique in Paris, France.

"One of the reasons Carmen is being chosen is because it provides such fantastic opportunities for choruses of adults and children. That is what makes it a real community project,'' Mr. Dorrell explains. "It provides a wealth of opportunities for all aspects of theatre -- singing, acting, dancing on stage, plus all the usual back-stage elements of scenery, costumes and lighting.'' Aware that opera is often seen as an elite art form performed for audiences with specialised tastes, the musical director is anxious to dispel any inhibitions would-be singers may have about auditioning. Indeed, he stresses that no previous operatic experience is required, and the auditions will be "very relaxed''.

"We would very much like to see anybody who is interested, irrespective of their previous experience,'' he assures. "I am particularly anxious to stress that no-one should feel intimidated by the word `opera.' Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome. We want people to come along and enjoy themselves, and we promise a relaxed, pleasant and hopefully enjoyable experience for all. Just bring along a piece of music that you enjoy singing.'' Specifically, the proposed production will require at least 30 people for the adult chorus, and at least 12 boys and girls aged eight to 14 for the children's chorus.

Also attending the auditions will one of Britain's foremost artistic directors, Mark Tinkler, who is both founder and artistic director of the English Pocket Opera Company. Should Carmen go ahead, Mr. Tinkler will be the artistic director here.

"If this exciting project is to succeed it will need to bring together all the many and various talents on the Island,'' Mr. Dorrell says. "To this end, the Bermuda Festival is approaching the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society, the Bermuda Philharmonic Society. the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, leading choir directors and their members, as well as local music teachers and schools.'' As to whether a local stage is large enough to hold a full opera production, Mr. Dorrell feels Mr. Tinkler will have no worries.

"EPOC is used to performing in unusual venues,'' he assures.

Finally, when all the preliminary steps have been completed, the Bermuda Festival will evaluate the findings, and hopefully come up with the green light to turn the concept into reality.

"It is going to take a lot of sponsorship,'' Mr. Moore warns, "but we are immensely optimistic that Carmen can be achieved.'' Auditions will be held in the music room of Saltus Grammar School as follows:- Children -- Sunday, March 5, 2.30 p.m. Adults -- March 6, 7 and 8, 7.30 p.m.

Please telephone Mrs. Marjorie Stanton at 295-3218 for an appointment.