Cape Town Opera (CTO) will present a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town, with six performances running from May 19 to May 31, 2026.

CTO House Soloist Nonhlanhla Yende sings the title role, with tenor Lukhanyo Moyake as Don José, baritone Conroy Scott as Escamillo, and guest artist Vuvu Mpofu as Micaëla. CTO House Soloist Brittany Smith appears as Frasquita and Judith Neilson Young Artist Khayakazi Madlala as Mercédès.

Directed by Steven Stead and conducted by Tim Murray, the production is set in 1931-32 Seville and features the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the CTO Vocal Ensemble, and the CTO Children’s Chorus.

“We are also so thrilled to be opening Carmen on 19 May when Artscape celebrates its 55th anniversary, a tremendous milestone,” said CTO’s Artistic Director Magdalene Minnaar, per an official press release. “With an exceptional cast, bold creative direction and the thrilling power of live orchestral performance, Carmen at the Artscape Opera House promises to be one of the highlights on Cape Town’s cultural calendar this year.”

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