Audiences at the Wycombe Swan will feel the thrill and passion of love, jealousy and violence of 19th Century Seville in one of Bizet’s most popular pieces, Carmen, next month. 

The highly acclaimed Russian State Opera returns to Bucks on September 8 as it brings together fierce passion, gorgeous melodies, nail-biting dramatic confrontations and musical wit to the stage. 

The story, which has found favour all over the world since its first performance in 1875, documents the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by Carmen, a free-spirited femme fatale. 

José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen’s love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

Alexej Ignatow, who produces Carmen, said the spectacular show is a “great way to start your opera life”. 

He said: “You would recognise many tunes from all aspects of your life.”

And what would he say to first time audiences who don’t know what to expect?

He said: “We get this question a lot and there seems to be a big barrier between people’s perception that opera is only for upper class and that you need to be wearing black tie. 

“Of course, wearing a nice outfit adds to the experience, but under no circumstances it is a must. 

“We always try to break this obstacle and make our productions as accessible as possible to everyone.

“It would be a great shame and loss if classical production were limited to only one particular group of people.”

The Carmen cast are set to be accompanied by a live orchestra featuring more than 30 musicians - many who come from Russia and the former Soviet Union. 

And there will be between 85 and 90 people on the tour, bringing the show to life on the stage each night. 

“It is a lot of people, but everyone has their own role. When we are on tour, we all work and live as one big family. 

“Each production has numerous costumes for each scene, plus of course to fill the stage we use hard decoration sets to paint a picture for that particular opera. 

“Unlike ballet, where you need to keep the stage clear of all objects, in opera you are trying to do the opposite.”

And although Alexej does not have a musical background - he convinced his mother to swap his piano lessons to football as a youngster - his passion for classical music shines through. 

He said: “Who could have thought that so many years later I would be putting classical performances on stage with opera and ballet.

“Classical music is timeless. When performing operas and ballets, it is always exciting to imagine the time when the music was composed, and how its still so relevant and enjoyable today. 

“I don’t think people will ever get tired of listening to classical music.”

The Russian State Opera has been touring the UK for more than 11 years and in 2018 alone, they will take on 140 performances across Britain. 

To get your tickets for their spectacular Wycombe Swan show on September 8, which start from £30.50, call the ticket office on 01494 512000 or go online to wycombeswan.co.uk.