One of opera’s most iconic characters sets the Festival Stage ablaze, as Malmö Opera Orchestra and Chorus return to Copenhagen with a star-studded concert version of Bizet’s Carmen – featuring festival favourite Cláudia Ribas in the title role.

From the moment Carmen makes her entrance, she becomes the magnetic centre of a drama driven by passion and jealousy. Fierce, confident, and untamed, she refuses to be possessed – a red rag to the men who try. On this late summer evening, you’re invited to enjoy Georges Bizet’s operatic masterpiece in a condensed concert format, brought to life by Malmö Opera’s orchestra and chorus under the baton of conductor Anna Skryleva – joined by an international cast of stellar soloists.

Mezzo-soprano Cláudia Ribas returns to the Festival Stage as Carmen – a role she inhabits with fire and finesse, and one that longtime festivalgoers will surely remember from past seasons’ unforgettable performances. Joining her are American tenor Matthew White as Don José, South African baritone Luthando Qave as Escamillo, and soprano Yana Kleyn – named Opera Talent of the Year in 2022 – as Michaëla.

Bizet’s irresistible music has long transcended the opera world, with famous arias like Toreador Song echoing across pop culture. Even those who’ve never set foot in an opera house can hum its melodies – and recognize the seductive, freedom-loving Carmen. Though its 1875 premiere was met with scepticism, Carmen has since become one of the most performed operas of all time – and now, it returns to Den Røde Plads in glorious style.