Carmen
by Austin Opera
May. 02 - May. 05
Thursday, Saturday-Sunday
Arguably the sexiest role in opera, Carmen is a beautiful, free-spirited woman all too aware of her carnal allure, and yet, she despises any man who falls for her. When her mild flirtation with a soldier, Don José, ignites his flaming desire, Carmen rejects him for the famous bullfighter, Escamillo. José’s childhood sweetheart, Micaëla, visits on the pretext of persuading him to return home to his elderly mother, but she arrives just too late. José only has eyes for Carmen. His fate—and Carmen’s—has already been sealed. As José’s love degenerates into morbid obsession, Carmen must soon face the consequences of her need for freedom.
Georges Bizet’s score creates a lush and emotionally charged setting for this tragic story, which includes two of opera’s most iconic and instantly recognizable arias, in the Habanera and the Toreador’s March. Sadly, Bizet died within three months of Carmen’s 1875 premiere—meaning he never knew that he had written what would become one of the most popular operas in the repertoire.
Seville’s ultimate temptress will be sung by Virginie Verrez. Flashy bullfighter, Escamillo, will be sung by bass-baritone Seth Carico, making his house and role debut in a rare return to the US from his base in Germany. The tragedy is led by three artists making Austin Opera debuts. Austin Opera’s Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director, Timothy Myers, will conduct.
Carmen
by Georges Bizet
Austin Opera
May 02 - May 05, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2023
Saturday, May 5, 2023
Sunday, May 6, 2023
Dell Hall, Long Center, Austin
