Opera Encore 2026: Carmen (Encore)

When soldier Don José falls for the free-spirited Carmen, he becomes entangled in an all-consuming passion that completely derails his life. Bizet's famous opera is a sizzling story about love, jealousy, and freedom, with a tragic ending that belongs to the best-known in opera history. Richard Eyres beloved production of Bizet's masterpiece returns this season for a special reprise. Sopraan Elīna Garanča shines as Carmen, opposite tenor Roberto Alagna as Don José, in the iconic Met performance from 2010 — an absolute audience favorite. The score of Carmen contains so many world-famous melodies that you would almost forget how ingeniously it is constructed. From the famous Toreador aria to the heartbreaking Flower Song and Carmen's seductive Habanera and Seguidilla: every aria combines irresistible melodies with strong dramatic power. The duets and ensembles also belong to the most compelling in the opera repertoire.