Christopher Maltman makes his much-anticipated role debut as Escamillo in Bizet’s Carmen at the Vienna State Opera, with performances on May 31, June 3, and June 6.

He portrays the infamous Toreador in Calixto Bieito’s widely travelled production of Carmen, first staged at the Castell de Peralada Festival in 1999. Set against a stark, militarized backdrop, the production has become known for its gritty realism and psychological intensity. It has since been presented at leading opera houses including the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, English National Opera, San Francisco Opera, Norwegian National Opera, and the Opéra Bastille in Paris.

Mr. Maltman joins a distinguished cast featuring J’Nai Bridges as Carmen, Freddie De Tommaso as Don José, and Florina Ilie as Micaëla. Marco Armiliato leads from the podium.

Photo: Pia Clodi