The Met Summer Encores Begin With Carmen

Friday, June 28, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center

Roberto Alagna and Elina Garanca in Carmen. Photo: Ken Howard

See and hear Bizet’s Carmen, the unforgettable opera of love, jealousy, and revenge – the most popular presentation in the history of the Met: Live in HD series.

Richard Eyre’s stunning new production of Bizet’s opera was the talk of the town when it was unveiled on New Year’s Eve 2009. Elina Garanca leads the cast as the iconic gypsy of the title: a woman desired by every man but determined to remain true to herself. Roberto Alagna is Don José, the soldier who falls under her spell and sacrifices everything for her love, only to be cast aside when the toreador Escamillo (Teddy Tahu Rhodes) piques Carmen’s interest.

With dances created by star choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and conducted by rising maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this Carmen brings every aspect of Bizet’s tale to thrilling life, from its lighthearted beginning to its inevitably tragic climax.

Soprano Renée Fleming hosts the transmission and conducts backstage interviews with the stars.

“A gripping and brilliant production.” The New York Times

“Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin led a muscular, fiery performance; the overture, played at breakneck pace, set the tone for an exciting evening.” Wall St. Journal

Mark your calendars for the remaining Summer Encores:

• Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Friday, July 12
• Rossini’s Armida, Friday, July 26
• Verdi’s La Traviata, Friday, August 2
• Puccini’s Turandot, Friday, August 30
• Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Friday, Sept 6

Tickets for The Met: Live in HD’s Carmen are $18, $13 students, and $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm. For more information about Orcas Center 2013 season events, please visit orcascenter.org.