Evan Rogister makes his house debut this fall at the Opéra National de Bordeaux, leading Bizet’s fiery masterpiece Carmen at the historic Grand-Théâtre.
The production marks a return to Bizet’s score for Rogister, who previously led Carmen with Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, where he concluded a distinguished seven-season tenure as Principal Conductor (2018–2025). Opera News praised his “loving account of the score,” commending his ability to maintain propulsion and dramatic momentum while fully illuminating the music’s nuanced lyricism.
Rogister leads the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, the Chœur de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux, and the Jeune Académie Vocale Aquitaine in a new staging directed by Emmanuelle Bastet, presented in co-production with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Shangyin Opera House.
Mezzo-soprano Elmina Hasan stars in the title role alongside tenor Julien Henric as Don José and soprano Natalia Tanasii as Micaëla. The role of the toreador Escamillo is shared between baritones Jérôme Boutillier (November 9, 11, and 17) and Florian Sempey (November 13 and 15). The ensemble features soprano Li Ziqi as Frasquita, mezzo-soprano Amandine Portelli as Mercédès, baritone Sergio Villegas-Galvain as Le Dancaïre, tenor Zhengyang Li as Le Remendado, bass Adrien Mathonat as Zuniga, baritone Bruno Khouri as Moralès, and Loïck Cassin and Gaëlle Flores as the street vendors.
Performances run November 9, 11, 13, 15 (matinee), and 17, at the Grand-Théâtre de Bordeaux.