Carmen opens Saturday, March 11

View Carmen images here

CHICAGO (3/10/2023) – Opera’s legendary femme fatale returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago with Bizet’s Carmen — March 11 to April 7, 2023. Featuring iconic music that is instantly recognizable even for those new to the art form, Carmen has long been one of the world's favorite operas.

Carmen stars J’Nai Bridges, a leading interpreter of the famous title role and an alumna of Lyric's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. The star studded cast also features Lyric favorite Charles Castronovo as Don José, Golda Schultz in her Lyric debut as Micaëla, and Andrei Kymach in his Lyric debut as Escamillo.

The Lyric Opera Orchestra is led by accomplished conductor Henrik Nánási and the production is directed by Marie Lambert-Le Bihan, with choreography by Chicago-based dance artist Stephanie Martinez.

Carmen is irresistible from the first note of the electrifying prelude right to the end of the devastating finale. Get ready for the biggest operatic sensation of the season — only at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

View Carmen images here

A high-resolution video trailer will be available soon on Lyric's YouTube channel.

Read the Carmen digital program book and listen to a pre-opera talk.

Performance dates for Carmen are March 11, 15 (matinee), 19 (matinee), 22, 25, 30 (matinee), April 2 (matinee), and 7. All performances take place at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago.

Carmen is sung in French, with easy-to-follow English translations projected above the stage.

Running time is 3 hours and 25 minutes, including two intermissions.

For tickets and information, call 312.827.5600 or go to lyricopera.org/carmen.

Lyric's presentation of Bizet's Carmen is generously made possible by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Liz Stiffel, and the Lauter McDougal Charitable Fund.

Lyric Opera's Season is presented by

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency

About Lyric

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can.

Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved, inspired, and connected.

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