Carmen

Story

Synopsis

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. March 21, 1987 Matinee Broadcast.

Director

Brian Large

Writers

Ludovic Halévy, Prosper Mérimée, Henri Meilhac

Language

French

Country

United States of America

Release date

12 December 1988

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Agnes Baltsa

  Carmen

• 

  José Carreras

  Don José

• 

  Samuel Ramey

  Escamillo

• 

  Leona Mitchell

  Micaëla

• Myra Merritt

  Frasquita

• Diane Kesling

  Mercédès

• 

  Anthony Laciura

  Remendado

• Ara Berberian

  Zuniga

• Vernon Hartman

  Morales

• Bruce Hubbard

  Dancaire

• 

  James Levine

  Conductor

• MET Orchestra