Georges Bizet - Carmen (Hervé Niquet)

Information

Composer: Georges Bizet

• Carmen, GB 9

Adèle Charvet; Julien Behr; Florie Valiquette

Alexandre Duhamel; Gwendoline Blondeel; Ambroisine Bré

Matthieu Walendzik; Attila Varga-Tóth

Nicolas Certenais; Halidou Nombre

Chœur et Orchestre de l'Opéra Royal

Hervé Niquet, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Château de Versailles Spectacles

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Few operas are as emblematic of French music as Carmen. Premiered in 1875 at the Opéra-Comique, its overture was famously described by Sir Thomas Beecham as “the true French national anthem.” Initially scandalous for its intense emotions and morally ambiguous heroine, Carmen’s combination of dramatic flair and Bizet’s vivid Spanish-inspired orchestration gradually captivated audiences across Europe. To mark the 150th anniversary of its premiere and Bizet’s death, the Opéra Royal and Palazzetto Bru Zane present a historically faithful reconstruction of period sets and costumes, with Hervé Niquet conducting the orchestra on period instruments, bringing Seville vividly to life.

Hervé Niquet (b. 1957) is a versatile French musician—harpsichordist, organist, pianist, singer, composer, choirmaster and conductor—renowned for his expertise in French repertoire from the Baroque era to Debussy. He founded Le Concert Spirituel in 1987 to revive the French grand motet, and the ensemble has since become a leading force in historically informed performance, earning distinctions such as the Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Choral Singing. Niquet also conducts major international orchestras, exploring 19th- and early 20th-century works. Dedicated to education, he teaches at major institutions and directs training initiatives. His distinguished career has been recognized with prestigious honors and awards.