Carmen

March 11. 2023 - April 07. 2023

March 11. 2023 - April 07. 2023

Carmen

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Carmen is irresistible from the first note of the electrifying prelude right to the end of the devastating finale. The immortal tale of the restless, free-spirited heroine and Don José, the soldier who's drawn to her in a truly "fatal attraction," Carmen has long been one of the world's favorite operas. It returns this season in the company's vividly colorful, powerfully dramatic production with dynamic Ryan Opera Center alumna J'Nai Bridges, who is now enjoying a dazzling career internationally, in the title role. Partnering with her is Charles Castronovo, one of the world's most acclaimed tenors. You'll be drawn to the drama like moth to flame as this alluring opera brings you along to its edge-of-your-seat ending.

  • Language: Sung in French with projected English titles
  • Running Time: 3 hours 25 minutes with 2 intermissions
  • Location: Lyric Opera House

Lyric's presentation of Bizet's Carmen is generously made possible by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Liz Stiffel, and the Lauter McDougal Charitable Fund.

Videos

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Andrei Kymach performs the "Toreador Song" from Bizet's CARMEN

Votre toast, Toreador! In this iconic scene from Bizet's Carmen, we are introduced to the boastful bullfighter, Escamillo (sung here by Ukrainian baritone Andrei Kymach in his Lyric debut). Swaggering around Lillas Pastia's, he catches Carmen's eye, much to the chagrin of her current flame, Don José.

Director Marie Lambert-Le Bihan on the magic of CARMEN

Carmen is a character full of contradictions — equal parts brave and vulnerable. In this conversation, director Marie Lambert-Le Bihan discusses why audiences connect with this multifaceted character and the artistic commitment necessary to play the iconic role.

J’Nai Bridges performs "L’amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Habanera) from CARMEN

Carmen is a woman who knows how to make an entrance. In this seductive Act I aria, the men outside the cigarette factory hang on her every word as she sings about the fickle nature of love.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Bizet's CARMEN

Carmen is irresistible from the first note of the electrifying prelude right to the end of the devastating finale. The immortal tale of the restless, free-spirited heroine and Don José, the soldier who's drawn to her in a truly "fatal attraction," Carmen has long been one of the world's favorite operas. It returns this season in the company's vividly colorful, powerfully dramatic production with dynamic Ryan Opera Center alumna J'Nai Bridges, who is now enjoying a dazzling career internationally, in the title role. Partnering with her is Charles Castronovo, one of the world's most acclaimed tenors. You'll be drawn to the drama like moth to flame as this alluring opera brings you along to its edge-of-your-seat ending.

J'Nai Bridges and Golda Schultz on the women of CARMEN

Is Carmen a femme fatale? Is Micaëla the perfect girl next door? In this conversation, Carmen stars J'Nai Bridges (Carmen) and Golda Schultz (Micaëla) discuss their characters and the expectations and labels placed upon them. 

Pre-opera talk

Speaker: Cynthia Clarey

Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.

Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.

Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.

A recorded version of the Pre-opera talk is available below. 

© 2022/23 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.

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

Photos

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The company of Carmen (2022/23 Season).

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

J'Nai Bridges and the company of Carmen (2022/23 Season).

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

Charles Castronovo as Don José and J'Nai Bridges as the title character in Carmen (2022/23 Season).

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

Andrei Kymach as Escamillo and the company of Carmen (2022/23 Season).

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

Charles Castronovo as Don José and Golda Schultz as Micaëla in Carmen (2022/23 Season).

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

Articles

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By: Martha C. Nussbaum

Carmen’s freedom

Is Carmen a victim of a judgmental society or a feminist icon? Or something far more complex? The character continues to intrigue us because she defies easy categorization. Read more from scholar Martha C. Nussbaum.
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Lyric Libations: Carmen

Bizet’s Carmen is a decadent tale of scandal and deadly desire. As a young soldier falls in love with the free-spirited Carmen, their affair quickly spirals out of control. Pull up a seat at Lilas Pastia’s, and let these libations draw you in to the twists and turns of this stunning production, on stage through April 7.
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Q&A with Maestro Henrik Nánási

In this Q&A, read why Maestro Nánási enjoys performing with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, his advice for young musicans, and what he considers the most breathtaking moment in CARMEN — onstage March 11 through April 7.
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Spotlight on Charles Castronovo

There are certain singers who seem able to rise to even the most formidable challenges in any role in their vocal category. Charles Castronovo is one of those singers. Vocally the American tenor navigates with perfect ease, thanks to masterful control of his instrument. He combines superb technique with passionate dedication to every character he portrays.
Read More

Get to know: Bizet's Carmen

Who could believe that this Bizet opera was considered a failure when it premiered in 1875. Since then, it has become one of the most widely performed operas in the repertoire. This spring, fall in love with CARMEN all over again.
Read More

Meet the artists

  • J'Nai Bridges

    J'Nai Bridges **

    Carmen

  • Charles Castronovo

    Charles Castronovo

    Don José

  • Golda Schultz

    Golda Schultz *

    Micaëla

  • Andrei Kymach

    Andrei Kymach *

    Escamillo

  • Denis Vélez

    Denis Vélez ***

    Frasquita

  • Katherine DeYoung

    Katherine DeYoung ***

    Mercédès

  • Ryan Capozzo

    Ryan Capozzo ***

    Remendado

  • Laureano Quant

    Laureano Quant ***

    Dancaïre

  • Wm. Clay Thompson

    Wm. Clay Thompson ***

    Zuniga

  • Ian Rucker

    Ian Rucker ***

    Moralès

  • Alejandro Luévanos

    Alejandro Luévanos ***

    Lillas Pastia

  • Henrik Nánási

    Henrik Nánási

    Conductor

  • Marie Lambert-Le Bihan

    Marie Lambert-Le Bihan

    Director

  • Chris Maravich

    Chris Maravich

    Lighting Designer

  • Robert Perdziola

    Robert Perdziola

    Costume Designer

  • Michael Black

    Michael Black

    Chorus Master

  • Josephine Lee

    Josephine Lee

    Children's Chorus Master

  • Stephanie Martinez

    Stephanie Martinez

    Choreographer

  • Noelle Kayser

    Noelle Kayser

    Assistant Choreographer

  • August Tye

    August Tye

    Ballet Mistress

UNITING VOICES CHICAGO

ROBIN DON
SET DESIGNER

 

* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumna
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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

Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera