At its first performance, Georges Bizet’s (1838-1875) Carmen was dismissed by the critics; 'What truth, but what scandal!' Based on a libretto by Meilhac and Halévy after a novella by Mérimée, the story moved far away from the traditional opéra-comique subject matter to which audiences of the time were used. However, Bizet's extraordinary, passionate score (incorporating the anti-heroine Carmen, fighting female factory workers, corrupt soldiers and a murder) had, within three months of the composer's death, become recognised as one of the greatest operas of all time. Glyndebourne first performed Carmen in 1985.
Sung in French, Stéphane Denève conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Glyndebourne Chorus in this revival of the 2002 Festival production.
'Every member of the ensemble enlivens the on-stage community. The excitement - and there's plenty of it - comes from their collective energy.'
The Independent
Tania Kross will make her Glyndebourne debut in the title role with Kate Royal returning as Micaëla following her critically acclaimed performance as the Governess in Glyndebourne on Tour’s The Turn of the Screw. Conductor Stéphane Denève will make his Glyndebourne conducting debut.
'McVicar has given Glyndebourne a really successful new production... beg, borrow, steal or kill for a ticket.'
The Telegraph