When to see it

• These events are part of the Autumn 2018 and Summer 2019 seasons.

• Saturday 20 July 2019, 7pm
  Main Stage

  Conducted by
  • Christopher Willis

  • Morel
  • Rutkowski
  • Rhodes
  • Pérez
  • Mofidian
  • Stucker
  • Wu
  • Sedgwick
  • Patterson
  • Alcántara
  • Spaulding
  • Royal Opera Chorus
  • Levitin
  • Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

  Buy

  • Last perf.
  • Early start

The Story

Background

Award-winning director Barrie Kosky provides a refreshing perspective on this well-known opera. He explores Carmen's ever-changing nature - marked by her series of contrasting costumes - and her vitality through dance. The pre-recorded voice of a narrator (perhaps Carmen herself) ensures that we experience the whole story from her perspective, and the production's unique performing edition (by Michael Rot) offers a chance for audience members to hear music Bizet omitted from the opera's first performances.

Carmen had only lukewarm success at its 1875 premiere - perhaps due to its unconventional subject - but soon became immensely popular, and has remained so. Its glorious score boasts a host of wonderful melodies, including Carmen's sensual Habanera and Seguidilla, Don José's tender Flower Aria and Escamillo's rousing Toreador's Song. There are also passionate duologues, above all the intense, final confrontation between Carmen and Don José.

News and features

• Your Reaction: What did you think of The Royal Opera's Carmen 2019?

  25 June 2019

  

  Audience and press reviews of Bizet's classic opera, directed by Barrie Kosky.

• Watch LIVE: The Royal Opera's Carmen on 2 July 2019

  20 June 2019

  

  Audiences around the world will be able to watch Bizet's opera for free via Facebook Live and YouTube.

• Your Reaction: What did you think of Bizet's Carmen 2018/19?

  3 December 2018

  

  Audience reaction to Barrie Kosky's musical-inspired Royal Opera production.

• Royal Opera House 2018/19 Season announced

  20 March 2018

  

  The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera's programme for the coming Season include world premieres, major new productions and classic revivals.

• The Royal Opera Chorus on the physical and vocal challenges of performing Carmen

  12 March 2018

  

  Barrie Kosky's all-singing all-dancing production is something of a workout for the singers.

• Your Reaction: What did you think of Bizet's Carmen live in cinemas?

  6 March 2018

  

  Barrie Kosky's Royal Opera production was relayed live around the world.