This week, Opera Southwest will make history with its production of Bizet’s “Carmen.” The opera, which is one of the most popular in the repertoire, will be performed in a Spanish version translated by Eduardo de Bray that premiered in Barcelona in 1890. The new production in New Mexico will mark the U.S. premiere of the version with Eliza Bonet headlining a Latine cast.

Over the years Bonet has made Carmen one of her signature roles having performed it with the Pensacola Opera and Opera in the Ozarks. She also performed “La tragédie de Carmen” with the Shreveport Opera.  Her voice has been acclaimed with critics stating, she has “richly dark colors” and an “expressive” voice. She has also been acclaimed for her “fierce” stage presence. 

A winner of the Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2013 and a finalist for the Opera Birmingham Competition, Bonet has performed with numerous companies including Knoxville Opera, San Francisco Symphony, Opera Maine, PORTOpera, and Kentucky Opera. 

Recordings 

For those interested in learning more about the mezzo’s work, she has a recording of “Three Way” with the Nashville Opera.

Here she is performing in Verdi’s Requiem.