It is hard to believe that Carmen, the most performed opera in the world, was a flop at its premiere, precipitating the death of its author at the age of 36. Hadn't Bizet been able to show "real men and real women dazzled, tortured by passion," Théodore de Banville enthused? Tonight, three voices, the cigar maker, her lover Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo, perform Carmen behind closed doors, a new lyrical suite that offers a summary of its key scenes. Another destiny cut short in the prime of life and inspiration is Lili Boulanger, the first woman to win the Prix de Rome, precisely with this cantata, Faust et Hélène .

Marie-Noëlle Maerten

Events

Upcoming events

21 - 22 May, 2026

Great tunes by Carmen Arquez - Behr / Cavallier · Orchestre National de France

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