Carmen

Lead Donor of the GNO

Production sponsor

In the context of the 2025/26 season’s theme, the Greek National Opera presents, for the first time in Greece, a faithful revival of the world premiere of Carmen that was held at the Opéra Comique in Paris in 1875. After years of research into the director’s notebook and the designs of the costumes and sets for this landmark premiere of a work that was meant to become one of the most famous operas of all time, the Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française achieved a unique recreation of that world premiere featuring the stunning historical sets and costumes that Georges Bizet himself supervised 151 years ago.

The most famous opera in the French repertoire –a symbol of love and freedom– and one of the most emblematic operas overall, continues to provoke audiences today just as it did when it was first presented in Paris. Over its 151-year-long history, numerous creators who staged it have tried everything, from academic and traditional approaches to productions that have completely deconstructed the opera’s spirit. In our era, perhaps the most revolutionary and unexpected step for Carmen is the discovery of the original direction, sets, and costumes. Such an attempt does not equate to a museum approach; instead, it constitutes a new insight into Carmen’s early steps. Although it may seem strange today, in the 19th century, the concept of an opera director did not even exist, and operatic works were staged according to the composer’s instructions. From 1830 onwards, score set aside, operas performed at various venues began utilising a stage notebook as a guide, which was later renamed the director’s notebook and contained information about the placement of the sets, the entrances of actors, the movement of the protagonists and chorus, the use of supporting actors, and other directions.

Based on these valuable archival materials and sketches published in the newspapers of the time, the creative team –consisting of stage director Roman Gilbert, set designer Antoine Fontaine, costume designer Christian Lacroix, choreographer Vincent Chaillet, and lighting designer Hervé Gary– took on the challenging task of recreating the original production of Carmen, by rediscovering the characters and portraying the cruelty of the story – which the audience sometimes tends to overlook due to the music’s exceptional beauty. Carmen speaks for the heroine’s freedom and her right to choose her romantic partners herself, instead of being chosen by them. As she poses a threat to male-dominated and patriarchal societies, the only solution seems to be her elimination – a task taken on by the lovestruck and “betrayed” Don José.

For this production of Carmen, the GNO has assembled a stellar cast, featuring both world-class protagonists and renowned Greek singers. The title role will be shared by three celebrated singers: the distinguished French mezzo-soprano Gaëlle Arquez, who has performed this role at Europe’s most prestigious venues, the soprano from the GNO, Cellia Costea, who will be making her debut as Bizet’s famous heroine, and Marina Viotti, the exceptional Franco-Swiss mezzo-soprano with a remarkable career, who attracted international attention for her performance of “Habanera” along with a heavy metal piece during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. Portraying Don José will be star tenor Charles Castronovo –one of the most successful tenors of recent decades–, along with the exceptional tenor Andrea Carè, who captivated the Greek audience in the GNO’s recent production of Madama Butterfly at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.