Anita Hartig made her San Francisco opera house debut performing the role of Micaela. She joined renowned singers, J’Nai Bridges (Carmen), Matthew Polenzani (Don Jose) and Kyle Ketelsen (Escamillo). James Gaffigan is conducting the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.
Next performances are scheduled on June 11, 14, 20, 23, 26 and 29. Following the story of a turbulent love affair, Carmen is the most performed opera in the world.
Anita’s performance is already acknowledged in several reviews published after the opening night:
- “Among the singers, the star of the night was undoubtedly Romanian soprano Anita Hartig. She made house debut as Micaëla. Hartig fully embodied the only “pure” character in the opera body and soul with her crystal-clear voice. She shone particularly bright during her Act three aria “Je dis, que rien ne m’épouvante”. In this “prayer for strength”, marked by beautiful pianissimi, she showed how determined she was to overcome her fears to be with the one she loved. The audience fully embraced it and rewarded her with long applause!” (Parterre Box)
- “The production was most convincing when it was least obviously “directed.” As Micaëla, the country girl who rivals Carmen for the love of José, Romanian soprano Anita Hartig sang the finest and most compelling role of the evening. Acting and singing, she was consistently clear and thoughtful. Hartig’s duet with José in Act I. Her poignant solo in the third act (“Je dis, que rien ne m’épouvante”) provided much-needed moments of vocal lyricism and dramatic nuance.” (Nicholas Jones – San Francisco Classical Voice)
- “Hartig tenderly conveyed her abiding affection for Don Jose in her lovely Act 3 aria “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante.” (James Ambroff – Tahan – San Francisco Examiner)
- “Romanian soprano Anita Hartig, making her SFO debut, headed up the supporting cast with lustrous sound and unfailing charm as Micaëla, the country girl trying to win Don José back to his village. Her Act III aria (‘Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante’) was especially affecting. Her Act I interplay with a sex-starved gang of soldiers aroused by a country lass came off just right.” (Harvey Steiman – Seen and Heard International)
- “The evening was the San Francisco Opera debut of Romanian soprano Anita Hartig. Her expressive, sensitive portrayal of the woman who best understands Jose, proved an auspicious introduction to the audience. They gave her third act aria Je dis, que rien ne m’épouvante a sustained ovation.” (Opera War Horses)
