Georges Bizet, the composer of Carmen, was only 24 in 1863 when the Pearl Fishers, his second opera, was first performed. Bizet was only given six weeks to compose the score, but his melodic genius was able to transform the weak story, set in ancient Ceylon, into one of the most popular operas of his time. This free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions will feature speaker Norm Hollingshead.