Habanera from Bizet's 'Carmen' - Aigul Akhmetshina | Classic FM

Multiple award-winning mezzo soprano, Aigul Akhmetshina, performs the sultry Habanera from Georges Bizet's 'Carmen'. The aria, which is perhaps the best-known piece from the opera, is performed by the title character, who likens love to a rebellious bird: untameable and always unpredictable. Akhmetshina, who has performed the role at both The Met and the Royal Opera House, performs this rendition at the Royal Albert Hall as part of Classic FM Live with Viking. The concert, featuring the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Michael Seal, was performed in spring 2026, and was later broadcast on Sky Arts. Sky Arts | Classic FM, 2026 TEXT: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle Que nul ne peut apprivoiser, Et c'est bien en vain qu'on l'appelle, S'il lui convient de refuser; Rien n'y fait, menace ou prière, L'un parle bien, l'autre se tait; Et c'est l'autre que je préfère, Il n'a rien dit, mais il me plaît. (L'amour est un oiseau rebelle) L'amour ! (Que nul ne peut apprivoiser,) L'amour ! (Et c'est bien en vain qu'on l'appelle,) L'amour ! (S'il lui convient de refuser.) L'amour ! L'amour est enfant de bohème,