In its initial run at the Paris Opera in 1875 music critics did not have a very flattering view about this new work by Georges Bizet, outraged by his depiction of lower social classes’ life, basic instincts, life of the outlaws. However, time has been nice to Carmen transforming it into one of the most popular and most performed works of the opera literature in general.

Terezija Kusanović sings the role of Carmen while the role of Don José, this humble corporal and son, who gradually degrades himself into a fugitive and smuggler, at the end of the opera even murderer, will be sung by the Bulgarian tenor Ivan Momirov and the soloist of Split Opera Vladimir Garić. The role of Escamillo, the Toreador will be alternated by superb bass-baritones: National Principle Soloist Ivica Čikeš and Ivan Šarić, while the role of Micaëla, a Village Maiden, will be sung by Split soprano opera singers Antonija Teskera and Božena Svalina.