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EVENT DESCRIPTION
A co-production by Bru Zane France, Opéra Royal – Château de Versailles Spectacles, Opéra de Rouen Normandie, Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française. Step back in time to 1875 Paris and experience the world’s most enduringly popular opera as it was first performed.
A heart-wrenching story, passionate characters and glorious melodies have made Carmen one of the best-loved operas of all time. Set in southern Spain, it tells the story of young soldier Don José. After he is seduced by the beautiful gypsy Carmen, he abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts his military duties, only to be cast aside in favour of glamorous toreador Escamillo.
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of composer Georges Bizet’s death, this unique production invites today’s audiences to experience the spirit and atmosphere of the drama as it was originally performed at its Paris premiere in 1875, in the version with recitatives by Ernest Guiraud performed just seven months later. With its sassy, liberated heroine, the opera scandalised its audience by breaking with social and dramatic conventions. Within a decade, Carmen had become an international sensation.
This enthralling version of Carmen recreates the staging and décor of the original, based on an impeccably preserved production archive. The archive also included watercolour paintings of the original costumes, which have been reinvented by celebrated fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Conductor Victor Jacob and stage director Romain Gilbert lead the distinguished cast, creative team and combined Hong Kong and French musical forces, taking us back in time in fitting tribute to Bizet and his enduring masterpiece.
Be seduced by Carmen, feel the passion and despair, and be entranced by melodies that will live forever.
Pre-performance Talks will be held before both the performances on 28/3 (Fri) and 30/3 (Sun).
