Widely recognised as one of the most exciting young voices on the operatic stage, Irish mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, lauded for her “bewitchingly beautiful, dark vibrant voice” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) sings the title role. Opposite her, Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan, hailed by The New York Times for his “warm, rounded tone with a quality reminiscent of a young Plácido Domingo” sings Don José. Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume praised by The Telegraph for her “powerful, limber and expressive voice” is Micaëla, and swaggering toreador Escamillo is sung by Serbian baritone David Bižić who The New Criterion credits with “a beautiful instrument, one that gleams.” 

 The exceptional cast also includes bass John Molloy as Zuniga, baritone Seán Boylan as Moralès, soprano Jade Phoenix and mezzo-soprano Carolyn Holt as Frasquita and Mercédès, with baritone Ben McAteer and tenor Chris Bowen are the smugglers Dancaïre and Remendado. Direction is by Paul Curran, with set and costume design by Gary McCann, lighting design by Paul Hackenmueller and choreography by Muirne Bloomer. 

 Featuring the Irish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus.