When the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet was premièred at the Opéra Comique in Paris on 3 March 1875, the mezzo-soprano Célestine Galli-Marié (1840–1905) played the role of Carmen. On that same day Georges Bizet was awarded the Légion d’honneur.

This photograph was taken by the French photographer known as Félix Nadar (Gaspard-Félix Tournachon,1820–1910).

The role of Don José was played by the French tenor Paul Lhérie (1844–1937).

This is a poster from 1875 used to advertise the production at the Opéra Comique.

The first run included 48 performances, but unfortunately, Georges Bizet died of a heart attack at the age of 36 on 3 June 1875, before the season had closed.  

© 2010 Thérèse Wassily Saba