Behind the scenes with Louise Callinan – ‘Mercedes’ at the Opera National de Paris
- Louise Callinan as Mercedes in ‘Carmen’ at the Opera National de Paris. Image by David Bacher.
As this post goes live, mezzo -soprano Louise Callinan would have just come off stage after opening night at the Paris Opera, where she is singing the role of Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen.
Paris based photographer David Bacher’s images from the final rehearsals give an intimate view of preparations for this new production by Yves Beaunesne, conducted by Philippe Jordan.
Louise Callinan has established herself in Europe over the last decade or so, being the first Australian to be accepted into the Young Artist Program at the Opéra National de Paris. The graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music began her career with roles such as Angelina in La Cenerentola and Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia. She is now based in Paris where her career has blossomed, winning the prestigious AROP prize of Opéra National de Paris and singing roles which have included Meg Page in Falstaff , and the 2nd lady in The Magic Flute, which she also performed in the film version directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Louise has moved into the dramatic mezzo-soprano repertoire and has recently performed Dalila in Samson et Dalila in Valladolid, and Wagnerian roles like Erda and Waltraute. In January 2013, she will sing Wellgunde in Die Walküre conducted by Philippe Jordan, for the Opéra National de Paris.
Check out more of David Bacher’s stunning images from around the world at www.davidbacher.com
Shamistha de Soysa for SoundsLikeSydney©
Scroll for images of Louise Callinan as she prepares for her role as Mercedes.
On stage with Anna Caterina Antonacci as Carmen.
