Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on March 19th, 2025
•Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a classic opera like Carmen in a basketball arena? Well, that’s exactly what's happening on Sunday 23 March 2025, at 3pm, when the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield transforms into an opera house for one day only. This exciting event is part of the Classical Sheffield's biannual 'Classical Weekend Festival', where local and professional talent join forces to bring Bizet’s fiery masterpiece to life.
A new stage for opera
The Canon Medical Arena, usually home to the Sheffield Sharks and Sheffield Hatters basketball teams, is turning into a world-class opera venue. And we’re not just talking about hanging some fancy curtains—this place is built to deliver amazing acoustics. It’s actually the UK’s first carbon-neutral community arena, thanks to projects like installing wind turbines in India to offset emissions. It officially opened its doors on October 5, 2023, and is located within the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield.
The story of Carmen, reimagined
If you’re expecting the usual Carmen, think again. This semi-staged performance dives deep into the darker side of human nature—think passion, jealousy, revenge, and obsession. Under the direction of Rosie Kat and the musical brilliance of conductor George Morton, the drama unfolds like an opera version of Line of Duty. When Micaela’s life is shattered by betrayal and abandonment, everything spirals out of control, and the results are thrilling and brutal.
From the sultry and iconic Habanera to the stirring Toreador Song, Bizet’s legendary score will be performed with a fresh energy. And if that’s not exciting enough, this version of Carmen will be sung in English, making it more accessible for everyone.
The talent behind the magic
This production is a massive collaboration featuring:
- Opera on Location
- Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra
- Hallam Choral Society
- Sheffield Music Hub
But it's not just about the pros. Local musicians and talented young performers are all pitching in, making this a true Sheffield special.
Why this event matters
According to Kathryn Gašić, Co-Producer of the event, “The new Canon Medical Arena provides a unique and dynamic setting for live opera. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the power and drama of Carmen in this incredible space.”
And the venue’s operator, Yuri Matischen from Park Community Arena, shared his excitement, saying, “Our venue was built to maintain fantastic acoustics and deliver versatility, to help create a truly exceptional stage for this remarkable production.”
Event details you need to know
- Date: Sunday 23 March 2025
- Time: 3:00pm (Approx. 2.5hrs including an interval)
- Venue: Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield
- Tickets: Available at Tickettailor
- Language: Performed in English
- Content Warning: Mature themes with occasional strong violence and loud bangs
Don’t miss out
If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when you mix the intensity of Carmen with the energy of a basketball arena, this is your chance. Plus, you get to enjoy a top-tier opera production while supporting local talent and experiencing one of Sheffield’s most exciting new venues.
Are you ready to feel the drama? Because this show sounds like it’s going to be unforgettable.
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