The Metropolitan Opera's live rendition of "Carmen," scheduled for Saturday, January 27, at 19:55 at the Rialto Theatre, is a noteworthy event, especially as it marks the Metropolitan Opera debut of British director Carrie Cracknell. Her innovative approach revitalizes the classic tale of lethal passion by situating it in a modern context. The production resonates deeply with contemporary issues, tackling violence, exploitation in work environments, and the ambition to break through societal limits.

Aigul Akhmetshina, a young and distinguished mezzo-soprano, takes the lead role. Gaining prominence in 2018 as the youngest artist to be awarded the title role at London's Royal Opera House at just 21, she now continues to forge a path at the Met as the youngest lead in this new staging of "Carmen" at 27.

The performance is further enriched by the presence of renowned tenor Piotr Beczała as Don José, Carmen's lover, alongside soprano Angel Blue as the loyal Micaëla and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the arrogant Escamillo. Under the baton of Maestro Daniele Rustioni, the production features Bizet's immortal music, including iconic arias like the "Habanera" and the "Toreador Song."

Critical acclaim for the production is widespread.

“A bold new production of “Carmen” takes off... Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina was magnetic... an unyielding naturalness that never interfered with her singing... A Carmen that felt alive” — The Washington Post

“Akhmetshina has the ideal voice for Carmen... Great technical skill and musical agility... The fourth act was thrilling, the production escalates into an intense and harsh climate” — Financial Times

“Akhmetshina has the vocal goods - a low vocal tone with a hint of steel... Standout performances were Kyle Ketelsen's Escamillo, with his strong dialect and lively delivery that capture attention, and Angel Blue's Micaëla, touching but determined” — The Wall Street Journal

“Magnetic Aigul Akhmetshina... truly impressive. Appears unphased by pressure, singing with easy penetration and clear clarity” — The New York Times

“Not your grandmother's Carmen... A fresh take on Bizet's tragic love story”— Vogue

“Akhmetshina brings a fresh, wild energy... Also marks the Met debut of Carrie Cracknell, a British phenomenon who, with her stark productions of ancient Greek tragedies, has gained a reputation as a skilled and sensitive interpreter of complex female stories”. — The New Yorker

Source: Avant Garde