Patricia Bardon plays 'Carmen' with L.A. Opera, Placido Domingo

Patricia Bardon plays ‘Carmen’ with L.A. Opera, Placido Domingo

By Deborah Vankin

Sept. 12, 2013 11:30 AM PT

Growing up in Dublin, Ireland, mezzo-soprano Patricia Bardon never dreamed of becoming an international opera star. It was rock ‘n’ roll that spoke to her — Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix were favorites. Then, when she was 12, a music teacher suggested she take voice lessons. Studying with top singing teacher Veronica Dunne, “opera is just what came about,” she says.

Now Bardon will star in the Los Angeles Opera’s season opener, Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.” The French tale of love and jealousy among Gypsy fortunetellers will be directed by Trevore Ross and conducted by L.A. Opera general director Plácido Domingo. Tenor Brandon Jovanovich sings opposite Bardon as the lovestruck Don Jose.

This is the L.A. Opera’s third staging of Spanish director Emilio Sagi’s “Carmen” — it was previously presented in 2004 and 2008. Two days into rehearsals, Bardon says the production is shaping into “a grand spectacular.”

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“It’s a very big production with a massive set,” Bardon says. “There’s a grandness to it from a visual point of view. There are a lot of dancers, the costumes are just stunning. It’s quite a monumental production.”

The impassioned Gypsy is a role Bardon is more than familiar with. This will be her fourth time in Carmen’s dancing shoes. Bardon previously performed the role with the Welsh National Opera, the Scottish Opera and the Hamburg State Opera.

“I just love the music, I love singing in French,” she says of “Carmen.” “With regards to the character, it’s always interesting finding new layers.”

Bardon also has something of a history with Domingo. Not only did they perform together at the L.A. Opera in 2009 in Handel’s “Tamerlano” — Bardon sang in the male role of Andronico opposite Domingo — but the Spanish tenor was an early influence when Bardon was studying opera as a high school student. The very first classical record she bought was a recording of “Carmen” — with Domingo singing the male lead, Don José.

“I played it to death,” Bardon says. “It’s amazing, so many years later, to have Plácido conduct. It will be exciting to work with him; he obviously knows the piece.”

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“He’s also the most generous colleague I’ve ever worked with — apart from everything else we love about him, like his voice.”

For those who won’t be able to make it to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, opening night of “Carmen” will be broadcast live on Classical KUSC-FM (91.5) on Sept. 21.

In the meantime, says Bardon: “We’re having fun rehearsing — and it’s only day two. So that’s a good sign!”

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Los Angeles Opera’s “Carmen” runs Sept. 21-Oct. 6 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Info: https://www.laopera.com.