Zugló Philharmonia - Szent István Király Symphony Orchestra

Bizet's Carmen is an opera that broke rank on account of its subject matter in its own time. Plots up to that point told tales of generals, kings, and figures of respect. Carmen, by contrast, is a Gypsy worker at a tobacco factory, an everyday person. Despite the fact that the composer was French, the opera reflects the atmosphere and passion of Spain. Alongside the girls from the factory, corporal Don José is the other main protagonist, who, having escaped prison, leaves his lover, sickly... mother and job to join the travelling gypsies. The story would not be complete without an attractive toreador in the heartthrob Escamillo, for whom Carmen leaves Don José. And so it is that the jealous suitor is driven to his tragic act in the final scene. While Escamillo is fighting the bull in the arena, Carmen and Don José do battle outside. When the man's dagger fatally wounds the woman, the familiar cry is heard: "Toreador, en garde!” The toreador is celebrated as Carmen collapses dead - and the curtain falls.
In addition to the work of the performers, the authentic atmosphere is provided by the presence of the folk music of the Iberian peninsula. (Habanera, Seguidilla)