At Opera Holland Park, a new production of this flamboyant piece directed by Cecilia Stinton features a rising star in mezzo-soprano Kezia Beniak in the title role. Vivacious, flirty, restless Carmen has men falling at her feet – but it’s the ones who don’t fall that fascinate her.
The uninterested Don José, sung by tenor Oliver Johnston, is one such victim, losing everything in his sudden desire for the factory worker. Only the strutting toreador Escamillo, sung by baritone Thomas Mole, is certain of Carmen’s attention.
Soprano Alison Langer is Don José's faithful Micaëla in Carmen. Photo: Victoria Cadisch
Listen out too for Alison Langer as José’s jilted, innocent fiancee Micaëla. Langer made a big impression in Opera Holland Park's production of Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera in 2019.
Lee Reynolds conducts the City of London Sinfonia and Opera Holland Park Chorus.
With its Spanish-inspired melodies and dramatic scenes, Carmen has never ceased to appeal since its first performance in Paris in 1875. This new production, with its interesting new singers, promises to be both fresh and traditional.
Carmen is sung in French with English surtitles. Performances are on 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22 and 24 June
| What | Carmen, Opera Holland Park |
| Where | Opera Holland Park, Stable Yard, Holland Park, London , W8 6LU | MAP |
| Nearest tube | High Street Kensington (underground) |
| When |
02 Jun 22 – 24 Jun 22, Nine evening performances, and at 2PM on Sat 12 June |
| Price | £22-£128 |
| Website | Click here for more information and booking |