Georges Bizet’s Carmen is one of the most well-known and most frequently performed operas of the international repertoire. The French work’s big break, however, came not at its world première in Paris but rather, at its Vienna Court Opera première in 1875. This opera is about a strong, independent woman – Carmen – who seduces Sergeant Don José (already engaged to be married to another woman) but remains free from the ties of love. When Carmen finally chooses the bullfighter Escamillo over Don José, catastrophe unfolds. This popular work is performed at the Wiener Staatsoper in the colourful and atmospherically genius production by a well-loved director: Franco Zeffirelli!
Anita Hartig is Micaela at the Vienna State Opera on September 6, 9 and 12.
