Escamillo the Toreador is a character in which opera?

Escamillo the Toreador is a character in the opera 'Carmen' by Georges Bizet (1838-1875). He introduces himself in Act II, singing the 'Toreador Song', an aria officially called 'Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre' (literally "your toast, I can give it back to you"). The opera, which is set in Spain, was first performed in Paris on 3rd March 1875. It is based on the book 'Carmen' by the French writer Prosper Mérimée (1803-1870).

The main character is a gypsy girl called Carmen, who works in a factory. She is in love with Don José, a soldier who is already engaged to someone else. They run away together and live happily until Carmen meets a Toreador (bullfighter) called Escamillo. Deciding she loves Escamillo instead, Carmen leaves Don José. Later, while watching a bullfight, Don José tries to convince Carmen to return to him. When she refuses, Don José stabs her to death.

The French public did not rate 'Carmen' highly, and the opera only gained popularity after a series of productions outside France. After its worldwide success, the opera eventually returned to Paris in 1883.

The first person to play Escamillo the Toreador on stage was Jacques Bouhy (1848-1929). He had already come to fame as Figaro in 'The Marriage of Figaro' and went on to become the first director of the National Conservatory of Music of America in New York City.