Célestine Galli-Marié

Célestine Galli-Marié was a French opera singer best known for being the first to perform the title role in Georges Bizet's opera 'Carmen' at the Opéra-Comique in 1875. Despite facing harsh criticism for her performance, which led to a tumultuous legacy, she continued to portray the role for 25 years. Galli-Marié's life was marked by personal struggles and a desire to retreat from the spotlight, ultimately passing away in relative obscurity in a hospice.