UK PRODUCTION PREMIERE
The most popular French opera in the world comes to the International Festival direct from Opra-Comique " the Parisian opera house where it all began.
Carmens independent heroine, striking Spanish style and unforgettable melodies have permeated popular culture ever since its premiere in 1875.
Opra-Comiques new production of Georges Bizet's masterpiece is brought to the stage by conductor Louis Langre and director Andreas Homoki. This is a classic tale of love, passion and jealousy, following the soldier Don Joss dramatic fall from grace as he meets the free-spirited Carmen.
The score remains true to Bizets original vision, with musical pieces interspersed with dialogue, emphasising the comedic elements of the opera. Homoki also weaves in the history of the opera itself, from its scandalous premiere to its accumulating popularity over the following 149 years.
Mezzo soprano Galle Arquez leads as Carmen, a role which she has perfected in international opera houses since 2017. She performs alongside Albanian tenor Saimir Pirgu as Don Jos, Carmens villainous lover. The international cast is joined by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Louis Langre, Music Director of the Opra-Comique.
This production of Carmen is a fully staged opera.
Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.
Supported by Donald and Louise MacDonald and Vivienne and Robin Menzies
With additional support from
A souvenir programme is available for this performance. Available at the venue for 10 (card only). You can also pick up a freesheet with all the essential information youll need.Opra-ComiqueScottish Chamber Orchestra
Georges Bizet Composer Libretto by Henri Meilhac & Ludovic Halvy
Louis Langre ConductorSammy El Ghadab AssistantConductorAndreas Homoki DirectorPaul Zoller SetDesignerGideon Davey Costumer DesignerFranck Evin LightingDesignerCline Giovansili LightingAssistantArturo Gama AssistantDirectorMarine Thoreau La Salle PianistAdult's Choir AccentusChristophe Grapperon Choir DirectorChildren's Choir Maitrise Populaire de lOpra-ComiqueLudmilla Bouakkaz Children's choir Director
Galle Arquez Carmen Saimir Pirgu Don Jos Elbenita Kajtazi Micala Jean-Fernand Setti Escamillo Norma Nahoun Frasquita Alinor Feix Mercds Franois Lis Zuniga Jean-Christophe Lanice Morals Matthieu Walendzik Le Dancare Abel Zamora Le Remendado Sylvia Berg Don Jos's MotherHugo Collin, Wadih Cormier, Cme Fanton dAndon & Yvon-Grard Lesieur Extras
Co-produced by Opernhaus Zrich