The Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing Bizet’s legendary opera Carmen back to the stage in Rabat for three highly anticipated performances from May 30 to June 1. This bold return breathes new life into the timeless classic with a modern staging conceived by Olivier Desbordes and Yassine Benameur, offering a fresh perspective while preserving the emotional power of the original work.
Presented at the Mohammed V Theater, the production brings together more than 120 performers under the direction of conductor Olivier Holt. Musicians, soloists, and choir members will join forces to recreate the intense, dramatic world of Carmen, now reimagined through a contemporary lens. Leading the cast is Gosha Kowalinska as the fierce and captivating Carmen, alongside Jean-François Marras as the tormented Don José and Anas Séguin portraying the charismatic Escamillo.
This version of Carmen is crafted as a stirring tribute to freedom and desire—two forces at the heart of Bizet’s opera. The Moroccan Philharmonic Choir will be joined by the young voices of the Mazaya children’s choir, adding richness and depth to the vocal ensemble. The result promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged experience.
First premiered in Paris in 1875, Carmen has maintained its place as one of the most performed operas around the globe. Based on a novella by Prosper Mérimée, the story follows a fiery factory worker whose unyielding spirit draws her into a vortex of love, obsession, and fatal consequences. Bizet’s score remains electrifying, with its unforgettable melodies—from the seductive Habanera to the Toréador Song—still captivating audiences nearly 150 years later.
This production is a cornerstone of the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra’s current season, reflecting the ensemble’s commitment to making classical music more accessible and relevant. Founded in 1996, the orchestra continues to innovate through ambitious programming and educational outreach. The opera is presented in collaboration with the Ténor Foundation for Culture and supported by Crédit du Maroc.
Performances are scheduled for May 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and June 1 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets, priced between 80 and 400 dirhams, are available online and at designated outlets in Casablanca and Rabat.
