Carmen

February 11. 2017 - March 25. 2017

Upcoming Dates

February 11. 2017 - March 25. 2017

New-to-Chicago Production Carmen

By

Opera has plenty of femmes fatales, but there’s only one Carmen. Her allure proves spellbinding as she seduces a hapless corporal and then a dashing bullfighter. You’ll feel the heat as you’re captivated by Bizet’s bewitching melodies — the smoky Habanera, the playful Seguidilla, the provocative Gypsy Song. Every single melody in this ever-popular opera is a beloved hit, and each is brought to life by a cast of spectacular leading artists. Join us for this production — never before seen in Chicago — and find out why it’s the perfect work to see again and again, and the ideal opportunity to introduce new fans to the thrill of opera.

  • Language: Performed in French with projected English translations
  • Running Time: 3 hours 15 minutes including 1 intermission

Carmen

by Georges Bizet

Recording by EMI – Bumbry, Vickers, Miljakovic, Hamari, cond. Frühbeck de Burgos.
Musical excerpts provided through generous arrangement with Warner Classics, Official Education and Promotion Music Provider for Lyric Opera of Chicago.

"Prelude"

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"Habanera"

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"Seguidilla"

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"Flower Song"

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Carmen

by Georges Bizet

Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.

© 2016/17 Lyric Opera Commentaries
Musical excerpts provided through generous arrangement with Warner Classics, Official Education and Promotion Music Provider for Lyric Opera of Chicago. All rights reserved. Recording & Production services provided by Mark Travis.
A project of the Women's Board.

Synopsis

In Seville a corporal, Don José, is ordered to escort the gypsy Carmen to prison after she attacks another girl. José, however, falls instantly in love with Carmen, lets her escape, and is himself sent to prison. Following his release he visits Carmen at a tavern, where she has just met the bullfighter Escamillo. After dueling with a superior officer, José is forced to desert the army. He joins Carmen and her smuggler friends in the mountains, where she quickly tires of him. Once his hometown sweetheart Micaëla arrives to bring him home to his dying mother, Carmen is free to accept the attentions of Escamillo. José later comes to the arena in Seville where Escamillo is about to fight a bull. Outside the arena José confronts Carmen. He pleads with her and finally, overcome by jealousy, stabs her just as the crowd inside proclaims Escamillo’s victory.

Program book

Go inside this production of Carmen with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

View Digital Program Book

Meet the artists

*Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

New Lyric Opera coproduction of Bizet’s Carmen generously made possible by

Harris Family Foundation

James N. and Laurie V. Bay

Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.

Mazza Foundation

Seymour H. Persky Charitable Trust

Coproduction of Lyric Opera of Chicago and Houston Grand Opera.

Photo: Todd Rosenberg