Start the day with some librettists

Grab some opera glasses and head to the basement of the Orem Public Library for a little bit of New York Opera and possibly a chance to mingle with the Spanish-Gypsy scenesters.

The Orem Library will screen The Metropolitan Opera’s performance of Carmen on Jan. 12 in its Media Auditorium.

At 9:30 a.m., the show is an early one, but don’t let that be a deterrent from experiencing the culture and history that this performance has to offer. The fiery and free-loving gypsy Carmen’s relationships with characters like Don Jose, the Spanish corporal, and Escamillo, a matador, add to this play’s display of romance and power that eventually leads to the downfalls of the main characters.

Even though attempts have been made to modernize and even commercialize the opera for contemporary audiences, this screening allows for Carmen to be seen and heard as it was in Georges Bizet’s original composition over a century ago. Discover or rediscover the music and the passion that Carmen has to offer.

Even if you aren’t inspired to go to the Metropolitan Opera during your dream New York trip, or any opera for that matter, Carmen establishes at least a base knowledge of the opera and its effect on popular culture. At the very least, you would understand where the songs actually come from.

In addition to the MET’s Operas like Carmen, the Orem Library Media Auditorium screens TED Lectures and classic films throughout the week. To find out more visit http://Lib.Orem.org or call 801-229-7050.