Carmen

With *Carmen*, Georges Bizet created one of the most thrilling operas in the history of music. The tragic story of the soldier Don José, who falls for the captivating Carmen and destroys himself through his obsessive love, unfolds against the backdrop of a vibrant, dangerous Spain. But Carmen belongs to no one – her thirst for freedom is stronger than any love. When she turns her attention to the celebrated bullfighter Escamillo, jealousy escalates and fate takes its fateful course. Based on the novella by Prosper Mérimée, Bizet’s masterpiece combines romantic passion with harsh reality.

Whether as a symbol of unbridled passion or as the embodiment of a social outsider, Carmen remains one of the most fascinating figures in the world of opera. The Pforzheim Theatre brings this timeless story to the stage in a striking production – intense, emotional and more relevant than ever.

Although formally an opéra-comique, CARMEN represents a break with this operatic genre through its realistic plot and the portrayal of a self-determined woman: the premiere in 1875 was therefore given a cool reception by the Parisian audience, before the work began its sensational international career.

○ “Thankfully, [the production team] has steered clear of the cheap clichés often associated with this opera. […] It skilfully highlights the motives behind the eventual murder of the title character. […] At the podium, Daniel Inbal was completely in his element. With passion and intensity, he guided the focused and beautifully sounding Badische Philharmonie Pforzheim through Bizet’s score.» Der Opernfreund

Carmen | Pforzheim Theatre