Mezzo-Soprano Elissa Pfaender as Carmen and Tenor Daniel O’Hearn as Don José in Wolf Trap Opera’s production of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Filene Center.
A four-act tale of love, obsession, and jealousy, “Carmen” is one of the most frequently performed works in the operatic repertory. Even the intense humidity of a summer evening in Washington, D.C. could not deter area opera fans from filling the Filene Center to overflowing for Wolf Trap Opera’s one-night only presentation of the beloved opera.
…opera fans [filled] the Filene Center to overflowing for Wolf Trap Opera’s one-night only presentation of the beloved opera.
Under the baton of conductor, José Luis Gómez, the Wolf Trap Opera Orchestra’s exuberant rendition of Bizet’s well-known overture ushered in the story of Carmen (Mezzo-Soprano Elissa Pfaender), a Gypsy girl, who seduces Don José (Tenor Daniel O’Hearn), a Corporal of Dragoons. Don José’s devotion to Carmen lands him in jail and eventually leads him into a life of banditry. But Carmen’s love is fleeting, and she quickly discards the now ruined Don José when she falls madly in love with the Toreador, Escamillo (Baritone Laureano Quant). Carmen’s capriciousness comes with a high price, however, because Don José’s desperation at losing Carmen knows no bounds.
“Carmen” is brimming with memorable and well-known melodies. Soprano Amanda Batista’s (Micaëla) rendition of “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante” / “I say that nothing frightens me” can rightfully be described as ethereal, and Quant’s glorious baritone voice delivered the popular “Toreador Song” with a confident swagger. With his clear and emotive tenor, O’Hearn sang a touching “La fleur que tu m’avais jetée”/ “The flower you threw me” that displayed Don Jose’s vulnerability to Carmen’s charms, and Pfaender’s remarkably rich, mezzo voice powerfully animated memorable performances of the Habanera” “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle”/ “Love is a rebellious bird,” “Seguidilla: Près des remparts de Séville/ “Near the walls of Seville,” and Les tringles des sistres tintaient/ “The Rods of the sistrums tinkled.”
The set, designed by Riccardo Hernández, was encased in dull stone walls, but alive with action, color, and movement. In particular, the well-prepared Children’s Chorus of Washington added a liveliness and charm to the street scenes. Costumes designed by James Schuette reflected the story’s Spanish setting and gypsy flamboyance.
Running Time: Two hours and 45 minutes with one 20-minute intermission.
“Carmen” ran for one performance on August 15, 2025, at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trapp Road, Vienna, Virginia, 22182. For more information about upcoming productions at Wolf Trap, please go online.
