Credit: Eliana Brea

Felix Jarrar has accepted a last-minute contract with Hogfish Productions in southern Maine as pianist, coach, and orchestrator for its production of “CarmXn.”

The collaboration follows a busy season with Opera Ithaca, Santa Fe Opera, and Penn Square Opera. With 39 world premieres of original works under his belt, including Symphony No. 1, “Banishing Grief” with the New England Repertory Orchestra, Jarrar will join Matt and Edwin Cahill, along with the production’s team at the southern Maine company for their flagship production, premiering July 26, 2023.

“CarmXn” reinterprets Bizet’s “Carmen,” examining immigration and gender expression through a contemporary lens.

In an email, Jarrar stated, “I’m thrilled to work with Matt and Edwin Cahill and the rest of the brilliant collaborative team on this innovative production. This take on Bizet’s masterpiece “Carmen” reexamines the piece through contemporary politically motivated ideas of immigration and gender expression. As the son of two immigrants that came here under asylum, I resonate with many aspects of the work they have already done, and cannot wait to contribute to this wonderful project.”

Jarrar will continue to serve as a collaborative pianist for concerts while working on the show.