Passion, jealousy and betrayal take center stage at London’s Royal Opera House in a spectacular production of the world’s most popular opera. It's packed with some of the best-loved and most memorable music in opera. It has everything from intimate solos to rousing choruses – the seductive <i>Habanera</i> and <i>The Toreador’s Song</i> are just two of its familiar melodies.
Critics at its first performance, in 1875, panned it, declaring it "vulgar" and "contemptible." This was, in part, because of its humble setting amid the gypsies and knife-wielding cigarette workers of Seville. Bizet never lived to see the opera's success; he died three months later. It went on to achieve world triumph within five years and is now one of the most popular works in The Royal Opera’s repetoire.
At the centre of this musical drama is the fiery Carmen, a Gypsy woman whose love is as fleeting as it is passionate. She has a devastating effect on the men she ensnares, and, as the opera begins, initiates an intense love affair with army corporal Don José. Later, when she abandons him for her new conquest, the bull-fighter, Escamillo, Don José's jealousy turns to rage. This time, Carmen has pushed one suitor too far for her own good.
In this characteristically vivid and vibrant stage production, beautifully filmed in 3D, Seville is brought to life with ranks of soldiers, crowds of peasants, gypsies and bullfighters – as well as a magnificent horse, a donkey and even some chickens! This spectacular production features a supremely talented cast, gripping drama and Bizet’s energetic and passionate score. It is truly a musical event to remember!
