opera19:00
Thu 21.1.
19:00
Sibeliustalo, Lahti
Carmen
About
Carmen is a four-act opera by Georges Bizet, premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on 3 March 1875. Based on Prosper Mérimée's 1845 novella, it follows the passionate and ultimately fatal relationship between the free-spirited gypsy Carmen and the soldier Don José. Bizet died just three months after the premiere, never knowing his work would become what the Opéra-Comique itself calls the most performed opera in the world. Its arias - above all the Habanera and the Toreador Song - are among the most recognisable melodies in all of classical music.
#1
Most performed opera in the world (per Opéra-Comique)
6000+
Productions staged worldwide in a single recent year
~2×
Average number of performances per day worldwide
150
Years since world premiere (1875-2025)
What's new
- 2025-03
On 3 March 2025, Carmen marked its 150th anniversary, prompting major commemorative productions at opera houses worldwide.
- 2025-01
The Opéra Royal de Versailles staged a historically faithful reconstruction of the 1875 original production, with period costumes by Christian Lacroix and the orchestra playing on period instruments.
- 2025-10
The Metropolitan Opera opened its 2025-26 season with Carrie Cracknell's production of Carmen, with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard making her Met role debut in the title role.
- 2026-02
The Opéra Bastille in Paris presented Carmen in a production directed by Calixto Bieito, running from 7 February to 19 March 2026.
- 2026-06
Teatro alla Scala staged a new co-production of Carmen with the Royal Opera House and Madrid's Teatro Real, conducted by incoming music director Myung-Whun Chung.
Tracks
Habanera (L'amour est un oiseau rebelle)Carmen's Act I aria, one of the most famous melodies in all opera
Toreador Song (Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre)Escamillo's showpiece aria, instantly recognisable worldwide
Seguidilla (Près des remparts de Séville)Carmen's seductive Act I aria used to win Don José's favour
Flower Song (La fleur que tu m'avais jetée)Don José's celebrated Act II tenor aria
Carmen Suite (orchestral arrangement)Widely performed concert arrangement of the opera's most popular themes
Upcoming · 1
opera19:00Past · 3
opera20:30
Sat 24.10.
20:30
Ilokivi Venue, Jyväskylä
free entry
Free Carmen
A free staging of Bizet's opera masterpiece Carmen in Jyväskylä.
opera15:00
Sat 3.10.
15:00
MADETOJAN SALI, Oulu
Oulu Sinfonia: Carmen
Oulu Sinfonia performs Bizet's opera Carmen at Madetojan sali in Oulu.
lecture
Thu 6.8. – Thu 3.9.
Tikkurilan kirjasto, Vantaa
ilmainen
(29 days)
POC Reading Circle - Peer-Supported Reading Group
A peer-supported reading circle for POC readers meeting twice at Tikkurila Library. The group explores Carmen Baltzar's debut work carmen, with discussion and reflection at the second meeting.