ebruary 23rd & 24th, 2012: Henry Doktorski performed on accordion for the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh performances of an adaptation of Georges Bizet's opera titled Carmen—the Gypsy at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.
Although Bizet did not include the accordion in the orchestration for his famous 1875 opera, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh decided to include it in this production, as the orchestra consists of only five musicians which appear onstage behind a bead curtain. The accordion was used to play the woodwind and brass parts, as well as some other original musical effects. Music Director Robert Frankenberry said, "we're doing a version set in a Romany bar without chorus and with a bar band! Right now I've got accordion, flamenco guitar, violin, bass, and piano. For the final production in the summer we add flute, clarinet, cello, and percussion. It's really effective!"
Frankenberry concluded, "FYI, I believe that God herself created the accordion... or at least the way Henry plays it!"
The Pittsburgh Opera Theater production of Carmen is directed by Jonathan Eaton, with musical direction by Robert Frankenberry. This production will also be performed during the Opera Theater Summerfest on June 30, July 6, July 12 and July 15.
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| Music Director & Pianist Robert Frankenberry
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| Violinist Ingrid Capparelli Gerling
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| Double Bassist Andy Kohn
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| Ingrid and Guitarist Jon Banuelos
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| Accordionist Henry Doktorski
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