The concert was exclusively premiered on UK television in the launch week of the BBC digital channel BBC Four on 12 March 2002. With this concert Björk had become the first ever contemporary pop artist to perform in the Royal Opera House. It was one of the last of the concerts performed on that tour. It contains a live performance by Björk on the Vespertine World Tour, recorded live at the Royal Opera House in London, on 16 December 2001. There are also passionate duologues, above all the intense, final confrontation between Carmen and Don José.Live at Royal Opera House and also known as Vespertine Live at Royal Opera House is an official DVD released by Björk on 18 November 2002. Its glorious score boasts a host of wonderful melodies, including Carmen's sensual Habanera and Seguidilla, Don José's tender Flower Aria and Escamillo's rousing Toreador's Song. The pre-recorded voice of a narrator (perhaps Carmen herself) ensures that we experience the whole story from her perspective, and the production's unique performing edition (by Michael Rot) offers a chance for audience members to hear music Bizet omitted from the opera's first performances.Ĭarmen had only lukewarm success at its 1875 premiere - perhaps due to its unconventional subject - but soon became immensely popular, and has remained so.

He explores Carmen's ever-changing nature - marked by her series of contrasting costumes - and her vitality through dance.

Subscribe to our channel and find out more at Award-winning director Barrie Kosky provides a refreshing perspective on this well-known opera. Barrie Kosky's Royal Opera production of Bizet's Carmen, recorded on 2 July 2019.

Royal opera house org uk