Palau de la Música Catalana: Carmen by G. Bizet
About the Event
Relish the chance to witness the awe‐inspiring opera performance of Georges Bizet's Carmen at the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona. Carmen is among the most celebrated and frequently staged operas worldwide, stirring emotions like few others in the grand repertoire. Its unique, alluring, and captivating music skillfully blends various styles, from classic French romanticism to enchanting melodies influenced by Spanish folklore. This staged version runs for two hours and fifteen minutes, including a 15‐minute intermission, featuring a symphony orchestra, solo singers, chorus, Spanish dance troupe, costumes, and extraordinary lighting that highlights the special characteristics of the Palau de la Música Catalana. With over 70 performers on stage, it's a spectacle not to be missed!
Carmen, an opera in four acts by French composer Georges Bizet, draws from Prosper Merimee’s novella of the same title. Crafted in the opera comique tradition, it combines musical movements with spoken dialogue. When it debuted at the Opera‐Comique in 1875, this innovative opera surprised audiences unprepared for its realism and unconventional portrayal of lower‐class life on stage. Yet, within a decade, the tragic and passionate Carmen secured its place at the core of the operatic repertoire, bridging opera comique and the emerging verismo style.
Act 1
Seville, Spain. The alluring gypsy, Carmen, works in a cigarette factory. As the women take their break, Carmen sings a ‘Habanera,’ ensnaring the attention of all the men in the square. Only Don José, a soldier, shows no interest. Insulted, Carmen tosses a flower to him. A scuffle then erupts among the women. Carmen gets arrested but beguiles José into freeing her and subsequently escapes. José faces imprisonment for this lapse.
Act 2
A month later, newly freed José heads to meet Carmen at a tavern. Holding her flower, José confesses his feelings to her. Carmen persuades José to forego his roll call and instead, join the smugglers alongside her.
Act 3
Regretful of joining the smugglers, José finds Carmen smitten with another—Escamillo, the bullfighter. Carmen consults the cards, predicting a grim future. José's childhood friend, Micaela, seeks him out to convey his mother's grave illness. José resolves to return home. The following month, Escamillo, now Carmen’s lover, is celebrated by spectators as he heads into the arena. Carmen lingers in the square, where José confronts her. He demands she accompany him, but she defies him, discarding the ring he once gave her. Enraged by jealousy, José fatally stabs Carmen with a dagger. As the arena crowds disperse, he confesses to his deed.
Cast / Production
Orquestra NovAria Filharmonia
Adolf Gassol, musical conductor
Marta Finestres, choir conductor
Sergi Gimenez, stage management
Novaria, staging
Ben aisit, production and communication
Núria Serra, choreography
Álvaro Duran, stage director
Juliana Tauber, stage manager
Imesde, lightning
Montse Miralles, costume designer
Roger Griño, characterization
Customer Reviews
5.0 of 5
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Lucia L, España
Aug 2025
Excelente todo!!!
