Dear Kathleen,

I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to e mail you.  The Carmen performances at Harrisburg were quite satisfying!  The Carmen really looked and sang the part well.  On Sunday, at her death, her head fell down a step.  She really looked dead!  Don Jose and she really acted their conflict outside the bullfight ring well!  I was impressed in act I when Don Jose and his friend appeared seated on the right side of the stage.  Their uniforms really looked military.  I was kind of taken aback for  a moment.  And no one needs apologize for the Central Pa Youth opera.  They had a good sound. I’ve already gotten my libretto for Traviata.  I’ll miss your work until next autumn.

Appreciatively Yours,

Doug Heckert

PS:  My passion for opera began with a television explanation of the opera Carmen by ‘Lenny’ Bernstein back in the 1960s.  Within a short time of his explanation,  I was listening to radio broadcasts from the Met. 

(Cap Opera Harrisburg)