Performer: Carmen Topciu

The Brasov Opera brought timeless Italian virtues to Puccini's virtuoso fusion of music and drama at the Bucharest Opera Festival.

The Armenian-Australian soprano steps in for an indisposed Ermonela Jaho in Rosetta Cucchi's staging of Cilea's verismo masterpiece. 

Sydney may possess the most iconic opera house in the world, but Opera Australia ventured outdoors once more for a successful rock 'n' roll-themed Carmen on Cockatoo Island, with a stage positioned at water's edge.