This weekend, Ludovic Morlot returns to Seattle Opera to open Paul Curran’s production of Bizet’s Carmen.

The production opens on Saturday 2 May, with the title role shared between J’Nai Bridges and Sasha Cooke. Further performances take place on May 3, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16 & 17.  

In addition, Ludovic will join Seattle Opera Dramaturg Jonathan Dean for an on stage conversation about the work on 5 May at Tagney Jones Hall:

“Morlot will offer a conductor’s-eye view of Bizet’s score, unpacking the rhythms, motifs, and blend of French, Spanish, Caribbean, and other musical influences that give it its seductive sense of place. Along the way, he’ll contextualize the Orientalist and exoticist strains that characterize much of Bizet’s music, and he’ll share the unique challenges—and pleasures—of conducting one of opera’s most beloved masterpieces.”

Book tickets here.

The gallic flair and finesse which Ludovic brings to this repertoire has already ensured a rapturous reception for his collaborations over the past couple of seasons in Seattle with Berlioz’ Les Troyens (part 2) and Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila for Seattle Opera; also for his Pelléas et Mélisande last season for Dallas Opera. 

“Morlot brings singular insights into the splendor of Berlioz’s music… Morlot’s wide-ranging gestures, whether gentle and sensitive, robust and forceful, or persuasive and eloquent, drew an exemplary performance of the technically difficult, physically taxing score. The iconic ‘Hunt and Storm’, one of the grandest tours de force in the orchestral repertoire, was mesmerizing”
Classical Voice North America, January 2025