Carmen declares that any man she loves should beware. However, even she is unprepared for what will happen when she decides to seduce Don José, an army corporal who initially appears uninterested in her charms. Don José soon abandons his sweetheart Micaëla and his army job for Carmen, but Carmen quickly wearies of his possessiveness. When she turns her attentions to the dashing toreador Escamillo, Don José's jealousy erupts into violence.
Antonello Manacorda conducts an exciting international cast, with Aigul Akhmetshina performing in the title role.