Bizet’s iconic tale of passion unfolds when a fight breaks out at a cigarette factory in a Seville square, and Carmen – a gypsy - is arrested by the soldier Don José. Carmen quickly seduces him but like many before him, Don José’s attempts to tame the freedom-loving beauty are futile. His obsession with her turns to murderous rage when she leaves him for the famous toreador, Escamillo.
The soul stirring music of Carmen is some of the most familiar in all of opera. From Carmen’s rich and provocative Habañera and seductive Seguidilla to the rousing Toreador Song, the score is full of fiery Spanish rhythms and popular melodies.
Francesca Zambello’s powerful production, originally created for the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, makes its Queensland debut and superbly captures the essence of a woman who chooses how she will live, love and die.
In the title role of Carmen - the ultimate femme fatale - is the stunning American mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chávez, reprising a role she has performed to great acclaim around the world.
Making his Opera Queensland debut, French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak, leads an exciting cast of international and Australian artists including Ukrainian tenor Konstantin Andreyev as Don José, Australian-based Argentinian baritone José Carbó as Escamillo and soprano Lecia Robertson as Micaëla, the mighty Opera Queensland chorus and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Carmen is one of the greatest operas of all time - and a feast for all the senses.
Read more about the Artists
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Opera Queensland Chorus
Sung in French with projected English translations.
This production is presented by arrangement with Opera Australia.
Audio Described Performances