In the audience at the opera’s premiere were Massenet and Saint-Saëns who loved it. The production of Bizet’s final opera, ‘Carmen’, was delayed because of fears that its themes of betrayal and murder would offend. That she’s the titular character of an opera from 1875 is worth celebrating. She’s a gypsy, a sexual woman, an occult practitioner. She loves who she wants, when she wants, and refuses to compromise her wild spirit. In some ways, Carmen has long been a feminist icon. Opera North added the 12+ age suggestion after receiving an “extraordinarily varied” reaction to Bizet’s Carmen. More items… Is Carmen opera suitable for children?Īn opera company has added a minimum age recommendation to tickets for its latest production – which includes bare breasts and buttocks. The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia) by Gioachino Rossini, 1816.Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin, 1935.Don José is sent to jail for letting her escape – but is determined to see her again. To escape, Carmen seduces him, promising José he will be her lover. After a fight at the cigar factory, Carmen is arrested and Don José is in charge of guarding her. It usually includes a stage, an orchestra pit, audience seating, and backstage facilities for costumes and building sets. Where are operas staged?Īn opera house is a theatre building used for performances of opera. The women join the smugglers on their trip to the city to distract any guards. Frasquita and Mercédès read their fortunes in cards, but when Carmen tries, she only sees her death and Don José’s. Her CV boasts sell out performances at the Royal Albert more… Who is Carmen in love with?Ĭarmen’s love for Don José is fading and the two bicker.

Ellen Kent is an award-winning opera producer with over 20 years experience in the business.

Carmen opera language