In a special collaboration for Le French May, George Bizet's most famous opera, Carmen, will be co-presented by Opera Hong Kong and the Consulate General of France. Conducted by Yu Long from the China and Guangzhou Philharmonic and directed by Nicholas Joel from France, this collaboration is sure to do the original justice. Based in 1820's Spain, this four-act opera revolves around a fiery-tempered gypsy called Carmen who falls in love with a Don José, a military officer (played by tenor Luca Lombardo - pictured). After a scuffle at work, Carmen is arrested but Don José allows her to escape, which leads to his own imprisonment. Later their relationship becomes jilted and Carmen falls for bullfighter Escamillo, that consequently leads Don José to a bloody act. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, May 18-20, 7:30pm and May 21, 2:30pm. Urbtix, 2734-9009.