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Asmik Grigorian Debuts as Carmen After Near-Canceling

8/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Austrian soprano Asmik Grigorian debuted as Carmen at the Salzburg Festival after nearly canceling.
Director Gabriela Carrizo staged the production at the Grosses Festspielhaus for the festival’s six-week run.
Grigorian said she considered canceling after the board voted in March to fire artistic director Markus Hinterhäuser.
She called the festival “very strange and empty,” likening it to “a boat without a captain,” and hoped it will continue.

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Story summary

Austrian soprano Asmik Grigorian debuted as Carmen at the Salzburg Festival after nearly canceling.
Director Gabriela Carrizo staged the production at the Grosses Festspielhaus for the festival’s six-week run.
Grigorian said she considered canceling after the board voted in March to fire artistic director Markus Hinterhäuser.
She called the festival “very strange and empty,” likening it to “a boat without a captain,” and hoped it will continue.