Generosity is also heard, by Lazarus Azar

Lázaro Azar, a prominent cultural commentator, shared his reflections on two key performances during the fifth edition of the PAAX GNP Festival, which was directed by Alondra de la Parra. He highlighted the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet and the world premiere of La Reina Roja by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. Additionally, he reflected on other premieres that have taken place over the past five years at Xcaret, a venue known for its unique artistic programming. The performance of Carmen was notable for being presented for the first time at the festival. Due to the limited stage space, the production was condensed to ninety minutes. The involvement of the Orchestra and Choir of the Community of Madrid played a decisive role in making this possible. Despite these constraints, the production was praised for its creative approach. The director, Bárbara Lluch, effectively translated the original vision of Brava Arts into a compelling visual and narrative experience. She made optimal use of the available resources, including a slightly expanded stage area where Jaime Grau installed movable partitions that housed screens displaying videos created by Yehosua Elizalde and Anahy Cabrera, as well as live footage captured through carefully managed cameras. Clara Peluffo designed the costumes, while Rafael Mendoza handled the lighting. Both were described as discreet yet effective, focusing on storytelling rather than spectacle. The adaptation of Carmen took a bold direction, removing secondary characters such as Micaela, whom Azar has long found unappealing. The plot was modernized, with Escamillo portrayed as a member of Spain’s national football team. The interactions among Carmen, Escamillo, and Don José were mediated through mobile applications, highlighting the risks associated with digital communication, including gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and child pornography. While some friends found this interpretation unsettling, Azar personally appreciated the innovation. He noted that the musical quality was exceptional, with Javier Carmena leading the choir to perfection and Gianluca Margheri delivering a powerful portrayal of Escamillo. Gaëlle Arquez's performance as Carmen was marked by both confidence and technical precision. However, Azar felt that Arturo Chacón-Cruz stood out as Don José, offering a deeply expressive and vocally flawless rendition. Azar also praised Alondra de la Parra for her versatility and leadership. Her direction of Carmen, performed on Sunday, October 26, demonstrated her ability to support singers, choreographers, and orchestras. This followed her acclaimed interpretation of Mahler’s Symphony of Resurrection, which she conducted just days earlier. Azar expressed admiration for her passionate and meticulous approach to conducting the world premiere of La Reina Roja, a work commissioned by Gabriela Ortiz.