Inspired by Colomba, the short story from 1840 by Prosper Mérimée, the four-act opera of the same name is a portrait of a far-from-ordinary Mediterranean heroine with an insatiable desire for vengeance. Destined to have popular appeal, the opera is accessible, sophisticated, and very effective. The libretto is by Benito Pelegrín, Charles Roubaud is the director of the world premiere production to take place on 8 March at the Opéra de Marseille.