by Patsy Payne

patsy.payne@essnmedia.co.uk

Whitgift School in Croydon are playing host to one of the world's most loved operas next month.

The major fully-staged production of Bizet's opera, Carmen will see professional soloists appear alongside Whitgift's own musicians.

Often described as the perfect opera, Carmen is one of the most spectacular, tragic love stories ever written with numerous recognisable arias and a storyline , set to touch the hearts of many.

Set against the backdrop of 19th Century Seville, a beautiful gypsy woos the Corporal, Don Jose.

Their fiery relationship leads to rejection of his childhood sweetheart and mutiny against his superior officer.

He joins a gang of smugglers in order to be with Carmen, but his jealousy, when she turns from him to the bullfighter, Escamillo, leads to tragedy.

Performances: Sunday March 21 at 3pm, , Tuesday March 23, Thursday March 25, Friday March 26 and Saturday March 27 at 7.30pm.

Friday is Gala Evening, the black tie event tickets starting at £15 will include a glass of champagne.

Tickets for performances other than Friday start at £10 although there are concessions.

Whitgift pupils are £4 when accompanied by their parents.

Tickets from Rebecca Parker at Whitgift on 020 8688 9222 or email: Rebecca@whitgift.co.uk