Lyric opera will be performed at the baths of Caracalla this summer for the first time in ten years. George Bizet's "Carmen" will echo around the Roman ruins on eight dates beginning 24 July, directed by Michel Plasson and with Sonia Ganassi in the starring role. While the baths have continued to witness occasional concerts and ballets, the performance of lyric operas at the site was suspended after 1993 because of concerns about potential damage to the archaeological remains. As a result of these fears, this summer the stage for the opera will be built in the Calidarium gardens, some distance from the ancient walls. For information tel. 064817003 or see www.operaroma.it.