Carmen by Georges Bizet (1838-1875) as seen by Barrie Kosky was one of the highlights of the 2015/16 season. Kosky, who has been artistic director and chief director of the Komische Oper Berlin since 2012/13, will only hold the latter position there from summer 2022. Frankfurt's Carmen can be experienced in a version specially created by Kosky, the conductor of the premiere series Constantinos Carydis and the editor of the critical edition, Michael Rot, which combines elements of "grand opera" with those of vaudeville and revue in the spirit of Offenbach and also enriches them with breathtaking dance scenes. The production literally swept the audience from their seats. Many who thought they knew the popular work well suddenly saw it in a completely new light. Members of the press were also thrilled, which was reflected after the premiere on June 5, 2016 in reviews with catchphrases such as "cult-suspicious" (www.musik-heute.de), "brilliant and wicked" (Der Tagesspiegel), "world-class production" (Rhein-Zeitung) and "highlight of the season" (www.concerti.de).
