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SPOTLIGHT: Maestro Tim Murray excited for CARMEN to ignite the Artscape stage
- 6d
- 3 min read
Beverley Brommert
Cape Town Opera's 2026 production of CARMEN is set to ignite the stage at Artscape with Hispanic fire under the baton of distinguished British conductor Tim Murray, who is no stranger to these shores.
The London-based maestro has retained a warm rapport with Cape Town Opera, having served as the company's Associate Music Director from 2015-2019; in addition, he recalls with pleasure the time when, 25 years ago, he was Chorus Master and Répétiteur for a production of CARMEN at Spier. "It was good to perform there al fresco," he comments, adding however that Cape Town's indoor venues (such as Artscape) have facilities to rival any of those overseas.
What he particularly appreciates about working here is the luxury of longer periods for rehearsal, as preparation progresses serially from studio to stage. "The more time available for rehearsing, the better the rapport with the performers as mutual trust and respect can be built.” At Cape Town Opera's recent launch for the latest presentation of Bizet's masterpiece, Murray piqued attendees' interest by announcing that this production could be considered the South African premiere of the original version of CARMEN, since the original was drastically revised, nipped and tucked to enhance its popularity in the wake of the composer's premature death in 1875, aged just thirty-six.
The version resulting from all these modifications is the one with which opera lovers have become familiar today - but it is not necessarily what Bizet intended. Murray researched the score to establish its original form, and this is what audiences can expect to hear when attending CTO's production in May.
As for the executants, Murray is delighted to accompany singers whom he first encountered some years ago, when they were part of the Young Artists training programme: "It's most rewarding to see how far they have developed, and how much they have achieved", he remarks, identifying among others tenor Lukhanyo Moyake and soprano Vuvu Mpofu (who will sing Don Jose and Micaëla respectively).
Unlike straight orchestral performance, accompaniment for opera and ballet requires a theatrical mindset. Murray explains: "more than just music, this is about storytelling, so one has to promote narrative; ideally the director and the conductor can establish a sound collaboration to feed off one other.” Often there is a musical theme associated with a particular character (Don Jose in CARMEN comes to mind) - a further instance of the significant role of music in operatic and ballet productions.
As a highly respected practitioner of accompaniment for both opera and ballet, Murray is well placed to offer some insight into the challenges the conductor tackles regarding these two art forms. "Although the basic approach is similar to both, different sensitivities are needed, because unlike with opera, in ballet the musicians can't experience what is happening on stage - and obviously there is more emphasis on movement.”
Personally, he is equally happy conducting for both. Murray clearly adds versatility to the array of qualities requisite in a conductor of international standing.
On a personal note, when asked what is next on the horizon after the run of this opera, he smiles broadly: "Some time with my family in London!" Not perhaps something he can enjoy as often as he would like, but fame has a price…
Cape Town Opera’s CARMEN is directed by Steven Stead and stars Cape Town Opera House Soloists and guest artists, the Vocal Ensemble, Judith Neilson Young Artists and Cape Town Opera's Children's Chorus, with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Tim Murray at all performances. The season runs at the Artscape Opera House from 19 to 31 May, 2026 with booking through Webtickets and Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 0214217695.