A magnificent production of Carmen was recently staged at the Opéra de Marseille, featuring an excellent cast and conducted with great skill. Originally created by Jean-Louis Grinda for the Opera de Toulouse in 2018, this production starred Clémentine Margaine as Carmen and Charles Castronovo as Jose. Due to the pandemic, the Marseille performance was delayed, but it finally arrived in winter 2023, presented by an all francophone cast.

The production was characterized by a remarkable attention to detail, with every aspect of the libretto carefully articulated through action on the stage. The result was a performance that felt almost like a play, with the famous words of the libretto delivered with pristine clarity. This clarity was made possible by the superb acoustics of the grand old opera house in Marseille, which allowed the singers' voices to sail across the pit with remarkable clarity.

The music of Bizet's score was also given careful attention, with conductor Victorien Vanoosten ensuring that every detail of the composer's use of rhythm and color was fully realized. This attention to detail revealed an unexpected depth to the score, particularly in Carmen's arias, which were performed with great skill and nuance.

The production opened with a powerful staging of the overture, featuring a flashback of the murder that sets the plot in motion. As the fate theme blared, Jose was arrested by a soldier who seemed to offer him comfort before throwing him to the ground, an action that was perfectly matched to the music.

Overall, the production was a triumph, showcasing the talents of the cast and production team in equal measure. It was a joy to behold, and a testament to the enduring power of this classic opera.