A tempestuous heart. A fatal attraction. Seductive music. This is Bizet’s iconic Carmen—the story of a fiery woman who dances to her own rhythm, a soldier consumed by her captivating spirit, and the jealousy that propels them toward tragedy. Featuring some of opera’s most passionate melodies, from the “Habanera” to the “Toreador Song,” Carmen explodes with energy.

We’ve assembled an all-female team to lead this story: Chelsea Gallo, a rising star within the conducting world, Irene Rodriguez, an award-winning Flamenco dancer and choreographer, and Dayton Opera’s Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson as stage director. Partnering with the Dayton Ballet and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, they promise to bring an authentic and vibrant interpretation to the stage.