THE BLOOD-RED HEART IS WELL AND TRULY PUMPING

Not only does she play the role with a quiet fortitude, she shows us how Carmen, although still attractive and seductive, does not let this become her only pathway of communication. Surguladze also depicts her determination, quick wit, intelligence and self-worth, giving her a much more truthful character core.

Her voice is mesmerising: soaring with dramatic power one moment, brazenly dismissive the next, or tearing at our emotions with poignant subtlety…