Carmen’s exploration of passion, jealousy and human emotion, combined with its gripping story and vibrant characters, has made it one of the most performed and beloved operas in history. The opera’s melodic sweep is as irresistible as the title character herself, a force of nature who has become a defining female cultural figure. Carmen was a scandal at its premiere but soon after …

As escamillo goes into the arena, frasquita and mercédès warn carmen that josé is nearby, but carmen is unafraid and willing to speak to him. Alone, she is confronted by the desperate josé …