UK PRODUCTION PREMIERE The most popular French opera in the world comes to the International Festival direct from Opéra-Comique – the Parisian opera house where it all began. Carmen’s independent heroine, striking Spanish style and unforgettable melodies have permeated popular culture ever since its premiere in 1875. Opéra-Comique’s new production of Georges Bizet's masterpiece is brought to the stage by conductor Louis Langrée and director Andreas Homoki. This is a classic tale of love, passion and jealousy, following the soldier Don José’s dramatic fall from grace as he meets the free-spirited Carmen. The score remains true to Bizet’s original vision, with musical pieces interspersed with dialogue, emphasising the comedic elements of the opera. Homoki also weaves in the history of the opera itself, from its scandalous premiere to its accumulating popularity over the following 149 years. Mezzo soprano Gaëlle Arquez leads as Carmen, a role which she has perfected in international opera houses since 2017. She performs alongside Albanian tenor Saimir Pirgu as Don José, Carmen’s villainous lover. The international cast is joined by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Louis Langrée, Music Director of the Opéra-Comique. This production of Carmen is a fully staged opera. BUY STANDARD PRICE TICKETS FOR THREE OR MORE OPERAS AND GET 20% OFF. EXCLUDES CONCESSIONS AND TOP-PRICE TICKETS, MORE DETAILS OVER ON BOOKING INFO [https://www.eif.co.uk/events/carmen#booking-info]. Supported by DONALD AND LOUISE MACDONALD and VIVIENNE AND ROBIN MENZIES With additional support from A SOUVENIR PROGRAMME IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE FOR £10 (CARD ONLY). YOU CAN ALSO PICK UP A FREESHEET WITH ALL THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION YOU’LL NEED. CARMEN FULL LISTING [https://www.eif.co.uk/carmen-full-programme] Opéra-Comique Scottish Chamber Orchestra GEORGES BIZET Composer Libretto by HENRI MEILHAC & LUDOVIC HALÉVY LOUIS LANGRÉE Conductor SAMMY EL GHADAB AssistantConductor ANDREAS HOMOKI Director PAUL ZOLLER SetDesigner GIDEON DAVEY Costumer Designer FRANCK EVIN LightingDesigner CÉLINE GIOVANSILI LightingAssistant ARTURO GAMA AssistantDirector MARINE THOREAU LA SALLE Pianist Adult's Choir Accentus CHRISTOPHE GRAPPERON Choir Director Children's Choir Maitrise Populaire de l’Opéra-Comique Ludmilla Bouakkaz Children's choir Director GAËLLE ARQUEZ Carmen SAIMIR PIRGU Don José ELBENITA KAJTAZI Micaëla JEAN-FERNAND SETTI Escamillo NORMA NAHOUN Frasquita ALIÉNOR FEIX Mercédès FRANÇOIS LIS Zuniga JEAN-CHRISTOPHE LANIÈCE Moralès MATTHIEU WALENDZIK Le Dancaïre ABEL ZAMORA Le Remendado SYLVIA BERGÉ Don José's Mother HUGO COLLIN, WADIH CORMIER, CÔME FANTON D’ANDON & YVON-GÉRARD LESIEUR Extras Co-produced by OPERNHAUS ZÜRICH