By Shannon McMahon

Get swept away into antiquity and exotica with Columbus’ professional premiere of Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, performed by the highly acclaimed Opera Columbus. Performances are Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre.

Georges Bizet is most famous for composing Carmen at age 25. His The Pearl Fishers is a tale of friendship and jealousy woven between Zurga, king of the fishermen in the village, and Nadir, one of his fishermen. Loyalties collide and hearts become entwined when Leila, the captivatingly beautiful priestess of Brahma and former love interest to both men, secretly returns to the village in a highly ritualized ceremony.

Superstition, secrecy, and desire bind these three driven characters together as they scandalously seek their own personal fulfillment and arrive at the charged, heart-stopping finale.

“Of course, there is nothing better than a love triangle,” says Lisa Minken, Director of Communications and Marketing for Opera Columbus.

This completely original production, however, has even more to offer its audiences from a production standpoint. With phenomenal, jewel-tone costumes that illustrate the deeply rich and colorful culture of the setting in Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and beautiful music from a chorus with a reputation for being one of the top in the country, this production will be a true delight for the senses.

The Pearl Fishers is sung entirely in French, but Minken says no one should think they will not understand. “Supertitles” will scan the space above the stage, and the tone and tempo of the music, including opera’s most beloved song, Au Fond du Temple Saint, will guide those who have never spoken this romance language.

This production also marks the highly anticipated return of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

“We are completely thrilled to be a part of this,” says Minken. “It really is a big moment for the city, and we’re happy to share (the Symphony's) comeback.”

Two of the principal artists in the show have previously worked with Opera Columbus. Diane Alexander is playing the character of Leila, the beautiful princess; audiences have seen her before as Hanna, the lead in The Merry Widow, in February 2007.

Brian Banion, playing Nourabad, the high priest of Brahma, also sang in The Merry Widow. Philip Cutlip and Vale Riedout, both new to Columbus, will play Zurga, king of the fishermen, and Nadir, his friend and fellow fisherman, respectively.

“Our production team feels that these people are the best cast we’ve had in a long time,” says Minken. Minken adds the cast is brimming with personality, operatic talent, and beauty, and will work magic together on the stage.

William Boggs, Conductor, Chorusmaster, and Artistic Director for Opera Columbus, will also add to the magic and enthrall audiences. In the past, Maestro Boggs was general director for the Columbus Light Opera, and also worked with the Florentine Opera Company in Milwaukee, Wisc., as general manager and director. His repertoire of productions is both expansive and impressive, and he is praised among his colleagues and critics. He is a long-time friend of Opera Columbus, and this season is his Columbus directorial debut.

With a lineup like this, this opulent and igniting show will surge with passion and drama and ignite the eyes, ears, and emotions of every one of its fans. Visit www.operacolumbus.org for more information and tickets.