8 - 11 October 2026
About
More than an opera festival, Carmen's Last Dance is an immersive four-day celebration of music, art and culture on the French Riviera.
Set between the elegant surroundings of Villa Les Cistes and the beautiful coastline of Sainte-Maxime, the festival explores the enduring legacy of Bizet's Carmen through world-class performances, thought-provoking talks, exclusive art experiences, flamenco, gastronomy and intimate encounters with internationally acclaimed artists.
Each day reveals a different chapter of Carmen's story, from the myths and history behind the opera to the passion, freedom and destiny that define its unforgettable heroine. Alongside concerts featuring artists from Europe's leading opera houses, guests enjoy private art visits, cultural conversations, Spanish culinary experiences and a hands-on introduction to the rhythms and traditions of flamenco.
At the heart of the festival is the world premiere of Carmen's Last Dance, an exclusive one-hour adaptation of Bizet's masterpiece by Pavel Timofeyevsky, created especially for Fêtes Musicales.
Combining exceptional music, inspiring ideas and the relaxed elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Carmen's Last Dance offers a unique festival experience where opera is not simply performed - it is lived.
Highlights
World Premiere of Carmen's Last Dance — an exclusive one-hour adaptation of Bizet's masterpiece, created especially for the festival by Pavel Timofeyevsky.
Opera Meets Flamenco — discover the authentic Spanish traditions that inspired Carmen, from live flamenco demonstrations to a hands-on Flamenco Salon.
Behind the Myth of Carmen — engaging talks exploring the real Spain behind the legend, the history of Mérimée's novel, Bizet's inspiration, and the opera's enduring legacy.
Private Art Experiences — exclusive access to the remarkable COMO Le Beauvallon collection and curated art conversations.
The Art of Spanish Tapas — a chef-led culinary experience celebrating the flavours of Andalusia.
Opera Gala: The French Century — an evening of masterpieces by Bizet, Gounod, Massenet and Delibes, performed by internationally acclaimed artists.
Opera to Broadway Finale — a celebratory closing concert featuring beloved highlights from opera and musical theatre, from Bizet and Puccini to Les Misérables and West Side Story.
Meet the Artists — intimate introductions, guest conversations and opportunities to engage with world-class performers throughout the festival.
Luxury Riviera Setting — four days of music, art and gastronomy in the elegant surroundings of Sainte-Maxime and Villa Les Cistes.
Concerts
All concert tickets include a bubbles reception with gourmet canapes by The Original Menu.
Meet the Artists
Pavel Timofeyevsky
Piano
Virtuoso pianist, composer for film and the concert stage, arranger and lecturer, Pavel Timofeyevsky has received numerous prizes and accolades, including the BBC/Guardian Young Composer of the Year award. Pavel has appeared at nearly all the major concert venues across the UK. Concert tours, along with television and radio appearances in other parts of the world include the USA, China, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Latvia, Greece, Cyprus and India.
Emma Roberts
Mezzo-soprano
Emma Roberts is a mezzo-soprano and graduate of the Royal College of Music International Opera School, currently associated with leading programmes including Orsay-Royaumont Académie. An award-winning singer, she has performed roles with companies such as Welsh National Opera and Garsington Opera, and appeared in recitals at venues including Wigmore Hall. Upcoming engagements include the title roles in The Rape of Lucretia (2026) and Carmen (2026).
Matthew Curtis
Tenor
British tenor Matthew Curtis is a rising young artist and 2025 semifinalist in the prestigious Paris Opera Competition. A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music with a Master’s from the Royal College of Music, he is currently a Young Artist with Opera Prelude. Recent highlights include Lensky in Eugene Onegin with Hampstead Garden Opera, part of the Offie Award-winning production, as well as performances with Glyndebourne, Opera North, British Youth Opera, Nevill Holt Opera, and the Buxton International Opera Festival.
Tim Alexander
Baritone
Tim Alexander is a British baritone known for his work in Mozart, Puccini and Verdi repertoire, trained at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has performed roles such as Don Giovanni, Marcello, and Guglielmo, and appeared with companies including Dorset Opera and at the BBC Proms. Upcoming engagements include Escamillo in Carmen (2026) and Conte Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro for the Da Ponte Opera Festival.
Meriel Cunningham
mezzo-soprano
Meriel Cunningham is a British mezzo-soprano and singing actor based in London. Praised for her captivating stage presence, she is rapidly gaining recognition for both her vocal and dramatic ability, with critics commending her exceptional comedic timing and rich mezzo-soprano tone. Recent career highlights include a “standout” performance as Rosina in Charles Court Opera’s acclaimed production of The Barber of Seville and a nomination for Best Opera Performance at OffWestEnd’s 2024 Offie Awards. A graduate of The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Meriel continues to study with John Evans.
Catherine Hooper
Soprano
Catherine Hooper is a Kiwi-British soprano and graduate of the Royal College of Music, with further studies at the Universities of Cambridge and St Andrews. A prizewinner at the 2025 Joan Sutherland Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award, she has performed leading roles with companies including Devon Opera and OperaUpClose, and is a former member of the Glyndebourne Chorus. She appears regularly in opera, concert and recital repertoire in the UK and internationally.
Iúnó Connolly
Soprano
Soprano Iúnó Connolly has performed at major venues including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, and the Philharmonie de Paris, and has appeared as a soloist at Carnegie Hall. A prize winner at the 2023 Concorso Voci Nuove per La Lirica G. Fraschini and recipient of the Elena Gehardt Lieder Prize, she trained at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music, and studies with Maestro Antonio Lemmo.
Urška Horvat
Jure Smirnov Oštir
Violin
Violinist Jure Smirnov Oštir is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Levon Chilingirian and Remus Azoitei. An award-winning soloist, he has performed at leading venues including Wigmore Hall, Barbican Hall and St Martin-in-the-Fields, and appeared with ensembles including the London Sinfonietta, English Chamber Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia. A former London Philharmonic Orchestra Foyle Future Firsts artist, Jure has performed extensively across Europe and studied in masterclasses with distinguished musicians including Maxim Vengerov and James Ehnes.
A New One-Hour Adaptation by Pavel Timofeyevsky
Experience Bizet’s masterpiece in a bold new way. Carmen’s Last Dance is a thrilling one-hour adaptation that captures the passion, drama and unforgettable music of one of opera’s most celebrated works.
Featuring the opera’s most iconic moments—including the Habanera, Toreador’s Song, Card Scene, and the gripping final confrontation—this condensed production preserves the full emotional journey while making it fresh, accessible and fast-paced for today’s audiences.
Presented as an intimate semi-staged performance, Carmen’s Last Dance brings the spirit of Seville to life with internationally acclaimed artists, creating an operatic experience that is both powerful and unforgettable.
A Culinary Experience by The Original Menu
All food and canapés at the festival are prepared fresh on site by our wonderful chef Lena from The Original Menu. Known for her healthy, gourmet approach, Lena crafts beautiful canapés, dinners, and breakfasts each day using only the finest local ingredients.
This is truly bespoke cuisine with exquisite menus — not standard hotel fare, but exceptional dishes created by The Original Menu, a renowned European catering company, with their founder cooking exclusively for our festival.
Introducing Villa Les Cistes
Nestled right in the center of a charming town of Sainte-Maxime, Villa Les Cistes captivates with its elegant design and serene ambiance.
Perched on a hill, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Côte d'Azur.
Facilities
Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool
Beautiful Gardens and Fish Pond
Billiard and Games room
Cinema room
Gym
Wine cellar
Form new friendships
Discover culinary delights, beautiful music, fine wines, and cultural experiences that make every moment unforgettable
Past Festivals
Each past festival has been a celebration of music, culture, and camaraderie in a setting that is as elegant as it is inviting.
Check out the videos from previous years, and reach out to us to register your interest in our upcoming festival.