Your "Taste of Opera" evening begins with a delicious buffet dinner and wine for two at La Fonda Restaurant at National Hispanic Cultural Center at 5:45pm (gratuity included); followed by a relaxed conversation with Opera Southwest artistic staff members at 6:30pm, and finally "Carmen - en Español" at 7:30pm! 

NOTE: This event is FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 (FRIDAY AFTER MANDY'S FARM KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY 2024). Show seats: Q-105 and Q-106.

About the Production:
Opera Southwest and the NHCC present Carmen – en español! “Habanera” and “Toreador” are well-known arias that linger in your mind long after the performance is over. The controversial themes of rebellion, immorality, and the tragic death of the main character shocked French audiences when it was initially performed. The opera’s popularity and the main character’s notoriety left lasting impressions on audiences for decades.

The tale revolves around a passionate love triangle between Carmen, a seductive cigarette girl, Don Jose, a solider, and Escamillo, a handsome bullfighter. Despite Don Jose’s efforts to resist her charms, he succumbs to Carmen’s enchantment, resulting in his downfall and Carmen’s demise.

The presentation of Carmen will be in Spanish. The translation, by Eduardo de Bray, dates back to 1904 and comes from a Barcelona zarzuela company.