Domingo Hindoyan conducts a new production of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at LA Opera, opening at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on October 17. The performance launches the company’s 2026/27 season and marks his first appearance as its Richard Seaver Music Director.

The Venezuelan-Armenian conductor began his five-year appointment on July 1, 2026. He is the third Music Director in LA Opera’s history, following Kent Nagano and James Conlon.

“Carmen” is Domingo Hindoyan’s first production in his new position, though he made his LA Opera debut in November 2024 conducting Charles Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette.” He returns later in the 2026/27 season for Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco” and continues as Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Directed and designed by Thaddeus Strassberger, the new production places “Carmen” in a dark world inspired by Spanish Gothic imagery, with choreography by Antonio Najarro. Rihab Chaieb sings the title role, alongside Joshua Guerrero as Don José, Kathleen O’Mara as Micaëla, and Liam James Karai, making his LA Opera debut as Escamillo.

Performances take place on October 17, 25, 27, and 29 and November 1, 4, and 7.