Asmik Grigorian, a prominent soprano, is set to portray the central character in Georges Bizet's renowned opera "Carmen" during the Salzburg Festival in summer 2026. This production, a noteworthy moment for Grigorian, represents a rare undertaking since the role is traditionally sung by mezzo-sopranos.
Reflecting on the timing, Grigorian, 44, shared ahead of an upcoming Carnegie Hall concert in New York that she wanted to embrace the challenge while still in her forties, avoiding waiting until an older age when such a role might no longer be suitable for her voice. She acknowledged the uncommon nature of a soprano assuming this particular role, which has historically been performed and recorded by leitmotifs such as Maria Callas, Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, and Angela Gheorghiu, although these renowned artists never fully embodied the role on stage.
Among recent sopranos, Ana María Martinez and Danielle de Niese have taken the role in live performances, with Victoria de los Ángeles interpreting Carmen late in her career during the 1970s, and earlier in the 20th century, Geraldine Farrar and Rosa Ponselle also performed the character.
Grigorian's debut as Carmen is scheduled for July 26, 2026, in a new staging directed by Gabriela Carrizo. The cast includes Jonathan Tetelman as Don José and Kristina Mkhitaryan as Micaëla. Conducting the Utopia Orchestra will be Teodor Currentzis.
Peter Gelb, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, praised Grigorian's approach to repertoire, noting her fearless and somewhat traditional style that equips her well for tackling new roles such as Carmen.
Currently, Grigorian is preparing for a Carnegie Hall concert featuring several distinguished singers. Her performance includes the final scene from Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" alongside baritone Thomas Hampson, an opera she is slated to perform at the Metropolitan Opera beginning April 20.
Event promoter Eugene Wintour, who is organizing his inaugural U.S. concert, emphasized his aim to introduce fresh star pairings and acknowledged the challenges of marketing classical concerts stateside, contrasting with sold-out European holiday performances. Grigorian arrived in New York from Vilnius via Zurich on the day of the rehearsal, underscoring her commitment to remaining present with family during Christmas.
The soprano boasts a career spanning over twenty years, debuting in 2004 as Donna Anna in Mozart’s "Don Giovanni" in Norway. She has risen to prominence among the leading dramatic sopranos globally and is currently preparing leading roles in Puccini’s "Turandot" and "Manon Lescaut," as well as Strauss’ "Salome." She also anticipates performing Wagner’s "Tristan und Isolde" at the Vienna State Opera in 2029.
Though familiar with the role of Micaëla, Grigorian views Carmen's lower vocal range as challenging and potentially divisive among audiences and critics due to casting outside traditional voice types. Historical precedents include mixed receptions, exemplified by Rosa Ponselle's 1935 Met debut when critics questioned her suitability.
Contemporary soprano Lisette Oropesa has remarked on the significance of stars like Grigorian and Martinez undertaking such roles as a sign of artistic courage and opportunity. Martinez highlighted that the primary challenge of