The most performed opera in the world returns to the stage where it came to life in an atmosphere of scandal. Andreas Homoki leads this visionary masterpiece together with Gaëlle Arquez in the title role and the Champs-Elysées Orchestra, headed by Louis Langrée.

Among Seville’s cigar makers, the gypsy Carmen is the most attractive and whimsical woman around. Arrested for the assault of a friend, she enthrals the brigadier Don José who lets her escape. For her, he gives up his rank, deserts the army and embraces the adventurous life of smugglers.

Carmen is the French opera that is most performed around the globe and the most frequently played at the Opéra Comique. Nevertheless, this work of art first chocked the public with its visionary naturalism and independent heroine, whose Spanish tone, magnificently recreated by Bizet between Paris and Bougival, didn’t make appear any gentler. After Bizet’s sudden death, Carmen won the hearts of Vienna, Brussels, Saint-Petersburg, New York… and only triumphed in Paris in 1883.

Comic opera in four acts, on a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy and based on a short story by Mérimée. Created in 1875 at the Opéra Comique.

Musical direction, Louis Langrée (24, 26, 28, 30 April) | Sora Elisabeth Lee (2, 4 May) • Staging direction, Andreas Homoki • With Gaëlle Arquez, Frédéric Antoun, Elbenita Kajtazi, Jean-Fernand Setti, Norma Nahoun, Aliénor Feix, François Lis, Jean-Christophe Lanièce, Matthieu Walendzik, Paco Garcia, Sylvia Bergé • Choir accentus and la Maîtrise Populaire de l’Opéra Comique • Orchestre des Champs Elysées

See all the cast

3h (including intermission) - Salle Favart
150, 125, 100, 75, 50, 35, 15, 6€
Performing in French, French and English surtitles

The doors of the opera-house open 45 minutes before the performance.

Audio description (EN)

Some operas are available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.
More info on this page

People with reduced mobility

16 seats are dedicated to people with reduced mobility, on reservation at the box office or by phone. Access to the lift is located 5 rue Favart
+33 1 70 23 01 44 | accessibilite@opera-comique.com

Relax sessions

Relax sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability (autism, multiple disabilities, mental or psychic disability, Alzheimer…) may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Aged 10 and older

Around the show

To discover

45 minutes before the performance : The keys to the show with the dramaturge of the Opéra Comique.

Salle Bizet | Free

To sing

45 minutes before the performance : Sing some thunes oh the show with a choir director.

Foyer Favart | Free

To relax

The intermission bar offers drinks and light refreshments as soon as the theatre doors open.

Accessibility

Relax session | Sunday, the 30th april at 3:00 pm
Une représentation inclusive et accueillante pour les personnes dont le handicap peut entraîner des comportements atypiques et imprévisibles pendant la représentation.
Avant chaque opéra Relax, un guide FALC est disponible pour permettre de comprendre le contexte de création de l’opéra et son histoire. Il permet également d’anticiper les points de vigilance pendant la représentation qui pourraient surprendre les spectateurs.

Audio description | Friday, the 28th april at 8:00 pm and Sunday, the 30th april at 3:00 pm
This opera is available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.

Tactile introductions | Friday, the 28th april at 6:45 pm and Sunday, the 30th april at 1:45 pm
Before the performance with audio description: an adapted and tactile presentation dedicated to visually impaired people.
On demand : +33(0)1 70 23 01 44 | accessibilite@opera-comique.com