Carmen, Bizet

The Royal Opera of Versailles presents a meticulous revival of Bizet’s “Carmen” 150 years after the composer’s death—restoring the raw passion that scandalized audiences at its 1875 premiere. Christian Lacroix’s lavish period costumes and sets transport us to sun-drenched Seville, where the fearless Carmen (Adèle Charvet, a captivating force of nature) ensnares the dutiful Don José (Julien Behr, tormented by duty and consumed by desire). He sacrifices everything—his military career and innocent fiancée—for her love. But when the dashing toreador Escamillo (Alexandre Duhamel, exuding swagger) captures her heart, passion turns to jealousy, and fate takes a deadly turn. Under the baton of Hervé Niquet, the Royal Opera Orchestra infuses Bizet’s score with electrifying intensity—from the sultry “Habanera” to the triumphant “Toreador Song”—all performed on authentic period instruments. Experience "Carmen" as it first shocked, seduced, and conquered the world.