Andris Nelsons to conduct Carmen in Vienna

Andris Nelsons, Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, will premiere a revival production of Bizet’s Carmen at the Vienna State Opera on 3 May.

The Latvian conductor has been contracted at the last moment following news that conductor Mariss Jansons has been taken ill.

The production features an all-star cast, including Elina Garanca in the title role, Anna Netrebko as Micaela, Massimo Giordano as Don José and Ildebrando D'Arcangelo in the role of Escamillo.

In June 2008, Nelsons stepped in for Seiji Ozawa at the Vienna State Opera, to conduct Pique Dame and he has since appeared at the opera house in Tosca and Madame Butterfly.

Nelsons commented: "Of course I feel honoured and thankful to be asked by Mr. Holender to step in. It is exciting for me to conduct this wonderful opera Carmen. It is also a big challenge to step in for Mariss Jansons whom I consider to be one of the most exciting conductors of our time."

Nelsons’ next opera appearance following Vienna will be his debut at the Bayreuth Festival 2010, with a new production of Lohengrin.