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What voice type sings the role of Carmen?

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Publicity photographs from the revival of Georges Bizet's opera Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City, January 1915. — Carmen Publicity photographs from the revival of Georges Bizet's opera *Carmen* at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City, January 1915.

In the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet, the title role of Carmen is written for a mezzo-soprano.1

While some historical performers, such as the famous French singer Emma Calvé, were sopranos who gained great acclaim in the role, the vocal part is officially classified as mezzo-soprano in the opera's score.12