Carmen
New Production
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Ludovic Halévy and Henri Meilhac
Performed in French with English supertitles
Opera at the Academy
A sizzling new production of one of the world's most popular operas
Everyone is drawn to Carmen, an irresistible Spanish gypsy—except Corporal Don José. But even he soon succumbs to her seduction, fleeing a life in the military to join the gypsy world, all in Carmen’s name. When the famous bullfighter Escamillo begins to win her affection, however, a dangerous love triangle grows. Micaëla, Don José’s hometown sweetheart, attempts to wrest him from Carmen’s grasp, but to no avail—fate has already dealt its hand. With its twisting tale of romance, deceit, and disaster set to magnetic melodies, Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen, has become one of the world’s most popular operas.
MapAcademy of Music
Dates are April–May 2018.
| Fri, Apr 27 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Sun, Apr 29 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Wed, May 2 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Fri, May 4 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Sun, May 6 | 2:30 p.m. |
Approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes, including one 20-minute and one 15-minute intermission
Production underwritten, in part, by Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino and by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Huff.
Co-production with Seattle Opera and Irish National Opera
Cast & Creative Team
Cast & Creative
- Gary McCann Set & Costume Design
- Paul Hackenmueller Lighting Design
- Seth Hoff Choreographer & Assistant Director
- Elizabeth Braden Chorus Master
- Lisa Anderson Production Stage Manager
- Jen Shaw Assistant Stage Manager
- Gregory Boyle Assistant Stage Manager
- Philadelphia Boys & Girls Choirs Children's Chorus
- *Opera Philadelphia debut
The Composer
Georges Bizet
Georges Bizet was born in Paris, France, on October 25, 1838. His father was an amateur singer and composer, and his mother was the sister of a famous singing teacher. He entered the Paris Conservatoire in October 1848 just before his tenth birthday and while there became an outstanding pianist, organist, and score reader while there. Bizet would use those skills working as a rehearsal pianist and musical arranger to earn extra money. In the process he learned about musical trends in Paris, knowledge that would shape his own music, as demonstrated in the Symphony in C Major, which he wrote at the age of 17. Learn more about Georges Bizet.