Waltham Resident to Perform in BLO's "Carmen"

WALTHAM, MA – A Waltham local has taken a major role in the Boston Lyric Opera's production of "Carmen" later this month.

Soprano Chelsea Basler will play Micaëla in the September 23 performance. She has previously appeared with the BLO as Valencienne in "The Merry Widow," Zerlina in "Don Giovanni," Flora in "La Traviata" and Isolt in The Love Potion.

During the 2013 and 2014 season, Basler received distinction as a BLO Emerging Artist when she appeared as Papagena in Mozart's The Magic Flute. She also sang the roles of Margret in "Lizzie Borden" at BLO and Tanglewood and Countess Ceprano in "Rigoletto."

Basler has performed with the Pasadena Opera, the Santa Fe Opera and Opera Saratoga, as well.

Set in a Spanish-ruled city in northern Africa, "Carmen" is the story of Don José, a soldier who falls for the gypsy Carmen and abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from the military. When he loses Carmen's love to another man, tragedy befalls the couple.

Michaëla, a village maiden, is specifically written for sopranos.

Photo Credit: Olga Gunn