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.
On 3 March 2025, Carmen marked its 150th anniversary, prompting major commemorative productions at opera houses worldwide.
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.
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.
The Opéra Bastille in Paris presented Carmen in a production directed by Calixto Bieito, running from 7 February to 19 March 2026.
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.
