Carmen

This all-star cast is framed by Peter Hall’s gritty, realistic production and conducted by James Levine, who brings out all the surging emotion and gripping drama in Bizet’s score. At the center of the story is Agnes Baltsa, whose smoky mezzo is tailor-made for the gypsy Carmen, an independent woman who glories in obeying only her own rules, but who is haunted by fate. Superstar tenor José Carreras is Don José, the solider from a small town who catches Carmen’s eye and is destroyed by his growing obsession with her. Samuel Ramey is the charismatic matador Escamillo, who lures Carmen away from Don José with tragic result. Leona Mitchell is Micaëla, the simple girl from Don José’s hometown who cannot save him. March 21, 1987 Matinee Broadcast.

Cast

Agnes Baltsa

Carmen

José Carreras

Don José

Samuel Ramey

Escamillo

Leona Mitchell

Micaëla

Myra Merritt

Frasquita

Diane Kesling

Mercédès

Anthony Laciura

Remendado

Ara Berberian

Zuniga

Vernon Hartman

Morales

Bruce Hubbard

Dancaire