ROSS-on-Wye audiences are being invited to experience opera with a difference when an acclaimed touring trio arrives in the town next month.

Following the success of The Enigma of Edward Elgar at St Mary’s Church, createROSS will welcome CarmenCo Trio for a performance of A Pocket Opera on Saturday, October 24.

The production takes the story and music of Bizet’s famous opera Carmen and retells it from the perspective of its central character, promising an evening filled with passion, drama, comedy and some of classical music’s most recognisable melodies.

Organisers say the performance has been designed to appeal to newcomers as well as established opera and classical music fans, combining live music with comedy, storytelling, costumes, props and audience interaction.

CarmenCo comprises mezzo-soprano and flautist Emily Andrews alongside guitarists David Massey and Francisco Correa.

The trio perform the entire production from memory, giving the musicians freedom to act, move through the audience and dance while performing.

Although Carmen is at the heart of the show, the programme also incorporates Spanish and Spanish-inspired music by composers including Maurice Ravel, Isaac Albéniz, Luigi Boccherini, Manuel de Falla and Enrique Granados.

A Pocket Opera has already been performed more than 60 times across the country and has received positive reviews from audiences and concert organisers.

Aberdeen Chamber Music Concerts described the production as “the most astonishing performance we have ever staged”.

Organisers in Ross said one of the show’s main attractions was its accessibility, with audiences requiring no previous knowledge of opera or classical music to enjoy the performance.

The production follows createROSS’s recent staging of The Enigma of Edward Elgar, continuing its programme of live cultural events in the town.

CarmenCo’s A Pocket Opera will take place at St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, on Saturday, October 24, beginning at 7.30pm.