Asmik Grigorian, a prominent soprano, is set to take on the iconic title role in Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the prestigious Salzburg Festival this summer. This performance marks a significant moment for the artist, who is excited to embody the character while still in her prime.
The 44-year-old Grigorian expressed her eagerness to tackle the role sooner rather than later, recognizing the importance of seizing the opportunity while still at a suitable age. By performing “Carmen,” she joins the ranks of great sopranos who have recorded the role, though many have never taken it to the stage in its entirety.
Grigorian’s run will include eight performances starting July 26, with a new production helmed by Gabriela Carrizo. Jonathan Tetelman will portray Don José and Kristina Mkhitaryan will perform as Micaëla, with Teodor Currentzis conducting the Utopia Orchestra.
Metropolitan Opera’s general manager, Peter Gelb, praised Grigorian’s talent, referring to her as an “old-school singer” who fearlessly explores new repertoire. She is currently in New York City for a concert at Carnegie Hall, sharing the stage with notable artists including Thomas Hampson and Sondra Radvanovsky. During the concert, she will perform a duet from Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” another opera she will be taking on at the Met in April.
Eugene Wintour, the concert promoter, was keen on pairing artists who hadn’t collaborated before, although ticket sales have been slower than expected. Wintour noted the difference in concert-goer behavior between Europe and the United States regarding holiday performances.
Grigorian recently traveled from Lithuania to New York, making sure to prioritize family gatherings during the Christmas holidays. As the daughter of tenor Gegham Grigorian, she has built an impressive career since her opera debut as Donna Anna in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in Norway back in 2004. This season, she will also take on leading roles in Puccini’s “Turandot” and “Manon Lescaut,” as well as Strauss’ “Salome,” with plans to perform Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” in 2029.
While Grigorian has previously taken on the character of Micaëla, the transition to Carmen involves navigating a lower vocal range that has been met with both excitement and skepticism, as evidenced by historical critiques. Nonetheless, fellow soprano Lisette Oropesa expressed enthusiastic support for Grigorian’s challenge, emphasizing that presence and magnetism are key components for success in this role.
The classical music community is eagerly anticipating Grigorian’s debut as Carmen, with the artist herself embracing the journey. “I started to live that role day by day a bit,” she remarked, acknowledging the uncertainties inherent in taking on such a well-known character. Her openness to the experience reflects both dedication and commitment to her craft.