Organization

Conductor

James Levine

Singer

Soprano

Leona Mitchell

Michaela

Mezzo-soprano

Agnes Baltsa

Carmen

Tenor

José Carreras

Don José

Baritone

Samuel Ramey

Escamillo

The Metropolitan Opera

Others

Metropolitan Opera Choir

Orchestra

Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

French

New York City

United States

Metropolitan Opera House

This all-star cast is framed by Peter Hall’s gritty, realistic production and conducted by James Levine, who brings out all the surging emotion and gripping drama in Bizet’s score. At the center of the story is Agnes Baltsa, whose smoky mezzo is tailor-made for the gypsy Carmen, an independent woman who glories in obeying only her own rules, but who is haunted by fate. Superstar tenor José Carreras is Don José, the solider from a small town who catches Carmen’s eye and is destroyed by his growing obsession with her. Samuel Ramey is the charismatic matador Escamillo, who lures Carmen away from Don José with tragic result. Leona Mitchell is Micaëla, the simple girl from Don José’s hometown who cannot save him.

Carmen by Bizet, From (1987/1987), Conductor James Levine, Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, United States

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Cast

Ensemble

Program, About & Synopsis

Photos

Further reading

Performance Dates & Venues

Venues