Bizet

Carmen

2 - 7 November 2026

Dates & Venues

Dates & Venues
Mon 2 November 7.30pm
Mon 2 November 7.30pm
Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
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Wed 4 November 7.30pm
Wed 4 November 7.30pm
Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
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Fri 6 November 7.30pm
Fri 6 November 7.30pm
Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
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Sat 7 November 7.30pm
Sat 7 November 7.30pm
Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Book Now
  • Bizet
  • November 2026
  • Dublin

Carmen

Opera’s great, independent, sensual woman, the gypsy Carmen. 

Her friends and enemies from a cigarette factory. Her lovers, high and low. A naive corporal and the good girl from home. A handsome bullfighter. Smugglers. Jealousy, and a fatal struggle. From the seductive “Habanera” to the triumphant “Toreador Song”, Carmen, the most popular French opera, has some of the most alluring arias ever.  Bizet's Carmen sings out with irresistible, unforgettable musical panache.  

Widely recognised as one of the most exciting young voices on the operatic stage, Irish mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, lauded for her “bewitchingly beautiful, dark vibrant voice” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) sings the title role. Opposite her, Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan, hailed by The New York Times for his “warm, rounded tone with a quality reminiscent of a young Plácido Domingo” sings Don José. Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume praised by The Telegraph for her “powerful, limber and expressive voice” is Micaëla, and swaggering toreador Escamillo is sung by Serbian baritone David Bizic who The New Criterion credits with “a beautiful instrument, one that gleams.” 

 The exceptional cast also includes bass John Molloy as Zuniga, baritone Seán Boylan as Moralès, soprano Jade Phoenix and mezzo-soprano Carolyn Holt as Frasquita and Mercédès, with baritone Ben McAteer and tenor Chris Bowen are the smugglers Dancaïre and Remendado. Direction is by Paul Curran, with set and costume design by Gary McCann, lighting design by Paul Hackenmueller and choreography by Muirne Bloomer

 Featuring the Irish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus

 Carmen is sung in French with English surtitles.

Join the conversation online with #INOCarmen

Co-production with Opera Philadelphia and Seattle Opera.

 In partnership with Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

 

“a dreamy whirl of colour and elegance” - ★★★★ Goldenplec (Carmen 2022)
“a wonderful night at the opera with singing utterly spellbinding” - ★★★★ The Arts Review (Carmen 2022)

Cast & Creative Team

Cast

Cast
Carmen Niamh O'Sullivan
Don José Atalla Ayan
Micaëla Stacey Alleaume
Escamillo David Bizic
Zuniga John Molloy
Moralès Seán Boylan
Frasquita Jade Phoenix
Mercédès Carolyn Holt
Dancaïre Ben McAteer
Remendado Chris Bowen

Creative Team

Creative Team
Conductor Fergus Sheil
Director Paul Curran
Set & Costume Designer Gary McCann
Lighting Designer Paul Hackenmueller
Choreographer / Movement Director Muirne Boomer
Revival Director Sarah Baxter
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