Written by Georges Bizet, on a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, Carmen premiered at Opera Comique in Paris, France on March 3, 1875. The opera spurred mixed emotions amongst critics and casual operagoers. As a result, numerous planned performances were canceled. Bizet died on June 3, 1875 firmly believing that Carmen was a failure. Since the early 1880s, however, Carmen has been one of the most frequently performed operas in venues around the world. [BluRay.com]
David McVicar's exhilarating new production, with Anne Sofie von Otter in the title role, restores the Opera Comique to Bizet's masterpiece. Philippe Jordan, in his Glyndebourne debut, conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Glyndebourne Chorus, and a cast which includes Marcus Haddock, Laurent Naouri, and Lisa Milne.
