Carmen is an opera sung in French with Spanish characters that takes place in Italy—with English subtitles.
Utah Opera kicks off its 2016 season with Carmen, a classic opera by Bizet that tells the story of loyal soldier Don Jose, his love and Carmen, the gypsy who steals his heart (yes, I know we’re not supposed to say gypsy anymore, but what should we call her?)—and it has become one of the most well known operas of all time.
And I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not an opera writer. I’m not even going to summarize what the Utah Opera has put together here and here about the history of the performance and about Bizet because everything I know about classical music and opera I learned from Looney Tunes.
But here’s what I do know: I know pop culture and modern music. Carmen has permeated the both genres centuries after its release. You might not know the story, but you know the songs. From Up to The Muppets (my personal favorite), “Habanera” is everywhere—even in pasta commercials.
So, combine music you know with beautiful costumes, the always fantastic Utah Symphony Orchestra and support from Madeleine Choir School and Carmen is sure to delight.
Carmen debuts on October 8 and plays through the 16th. Tickets are still available here.
