Could there be a more emblematic French opera than Carmen ?

 

Sir Thomas Beecham claimed that its overture was “the true French national anthem”. And for good reason! Today, it is the most famous opera in the world. Yet Carmen was deemed shocking at its première in 1875, scandalising audiences at the Opéra-Comique with the violence of its emotions and the immorality of its main character, barely softened by the masterful reinvention of Spanish colour by Bizet (who had never even crossed the Pyrenees!). However, after the composer’s sudden death during the thirty-third performance, Carmen gradually won over Europe and then the world, becoming a resounding success.

 

But what colour and flavour did this legendary opera have when it was first performed? To mark the 150th anniversary of both the première of Carmen and Bizet’s death, the Opéra Royal is finally offering a faithful reconstruction of the period sets and costumes. Now we really are in Seville, with the picadors, the alguazil and the rising guard !

 

Hervé Niquet conducts the magnificent soloists and the Orchestra of the Opéra Royal on period instruments, as befits this incomparable piece.

 

Co-produced by the Opéra Royal/Château de Versailles Spectacles, Bru Zane France, Opéra de Rouen Normandie, Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française.

Executive producer : Bru Zane France

 

Sets by the workshops of the Opéra de Rouen Normandie.

Costumes by Atelier Caraco.

 

Music published by Choudens, revisions by Palazzetto Bru Zane.

Historical guidance: scientific team of Palazzetto Bru Zane.

 

This program will be recorded on CD for the Château de Versailles Spectacles label.

 

 

A comic opera in four acts with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, created in Paris in 1875.

 

New Royal Opera Production.

Show in French with French and English surtitles.

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY: Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

 

PRESTIGE CATEGORY: Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

 

REDUCED RATE: applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

 

GROUP RATES: for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

 

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

 

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.