You’ve met our Carmens, now get to know the rest of the cast! We spoke to members of the Carmen on-stage talent to find out how they approach their characters, what they listen to beyond opera, and their favourite moments of Bizet’s blockbuster opera—spoiler alert, some answers below discuss plot points for those who’d prefer not to know the ending!

Beginning October 14, two incredible artists will take on the title role in the COC’s production of Carmen, one of the most high-profile roles for a mezzo-soprano in the operatic canon. Two-time Grammy Award-winner J’Nai Bridges will make her highly anticipated COC debut while Ensemble Studio graduate Rihab Chaieb returns to Toronto to share what makes her “[one of] the most brilliant mezzo-sopranos in the musical firmament” (The New Criterion). 

Meet J’Nai and Rihab below, and find out more about their relationship to Carmen, their favourite moments of the opera, and what they’re looking forward to in Toronto.

Stepping ashore for its first trip to the COC since 2010, Richard Wagner’s monumental opera The Flying Dutchman returns this season to intrigue audiences with its striking visuals, stormy music, and haunting ghost story.

Ahead of the Dutchman’s return, explore the show’s fascinating visuals, costumes, props, and wigs!