Carmen by Georges Bizet

Soon after its publishing in 1845, Prosper Merimée’s novel was branded as shocking and outrageous. 30 years later, Georges Bizet premiered ‘his’ Carmen in Paris and since then it became one of the most performed operas worldwide. The story of the gipsy girl who does not hesitate to die in the name of love and freedom still stands as one of the most impressive and enduring contemporary myths of the mysterious nature of the woman.

As years went by, Carmen revisited by countless stage directors, took on new views and facets. However, its crucial feature lives on: Carmen the fatal anti-heroin is the uncompromising core of all versions. Taking place in a still Francoist Spain, Carmen returns to São Carlos now staged by the Catalan Calixto Bieito.

Conductor | Rory Macdonald

Director | Calixto Bieito

Revival Director | Joan Anton Rechi

Set designer | Alfons Flores

Costume designer | Mercè Paloma

Light designer | Bruno Poet

–

Carmen | Justina Gryngyte

Don José | Lukhanyo Moyake

Escamillo | Nicholas Brownlee

Micaela | Sarah-Jane Brandon

Zuniga | Keel Watson

Dancaïre | Tiago Matos

Remendado | Carlos Guilherme

Frasquita | Joana Seara

Mercédès | Carla Simões

Moralès | Diogo Oliveira

—

CORO DO TEATRO NACIONAL DE SÃO CARLOS

Principal Conductor | Giovanni Andreoli

CORO JUVENIL DE LISBOA

Principal Conductor | Nuno Margarido Lopes

ORQUESTRA SINFÓNICA PORTUGUESA

Principal Conductor | Joana Carneiro

–

Photography credits | Charlotte van Berckel