The fiery depiction of a woman who craves love but stirs obsession and jealousy along the way is one of the most popular operas of all the time. Carmen attracts opera lovers and newcomers alike for familiar, sweeping melodies that are as irresistible as the title character herself, who has also become a defining female cultural figure. The new modern staging by acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell stars rising mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina in the title role, leading a powerhouse quartet of stars that also features tenor Piotr Beczała as Don José, soprano Angel Blue as Micaëla, and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the swaggering Escamillo. Maestro Daniele Rustioni conducts Bizet’s score, which includes some of the most famous arias in opera, such as the Habanera and the Toreador Song.