Want to explore Covent Garden's Autumn programme?
Director Francesca Zambello’s production will take you to a sun-beaten, 19th Century Seville. Don José is a young soldier who intends to marry Micaëla - a girl from his home village. But when he meets the wild and sensual Carmen, his head and heart turn to her. Based on a popular novella by Prosper Mérimée, the premiere of Carmen was a flop because of its irreverent violence and lustiness. Sadly Bizet died shortly afterwards and he never got to see just how successful this opera became – today it has been staged at Covent Garden over 500 times alone.
Anita Rachvelishvili, who made a strong impression in last year's revival, returns for the November dates. An audience favourite, her swarthy-haired charm seems to incarnate the character of Carmen, and her transfixing stage presence is second to none. Throughout October, the role will be taken by Elena Maximova, a glittering star of the Vienna stage who has only recently begun appearing in London. Take particular note of the 14 and 16 Nov performances, which feature the universally adored Jonas Kaufmann as Don Jose. Bryan Hymel, who has previously covered for Kaufmann during illness, continues his rise by playing the role through most of the season, while bright young thing Yonghoon Lee takes over for the final three nights. Short of some unanticipated change from its previous outings, this should be a excellent production of Bizet's sole masterpiece.
What | Carmen, Royal Opera House |
Where | Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD | MAP |
Nearest tube | Covent Garden (underground) |
When |
19 Oct 15 – 30 Nov 15, 7:00 PM – 10:10 PM |
Price | £TBC |
Website | Click here to book via the Royal Opera House |