Ludovic Halévy was a French librettist and writer whose wit, dramatic insight, and keen understanding of character helped shape some of the most enduring works of the operatic stage. Best known as the co-librettist of Bizet’s Carmen, Halévy brought psychological depth and modern realism to opera, redefining how stories could unfold through music and text.

Born in Paris into a prominent artistic family, Halévy was immersed in literary and theatrical culture from an early age. He pursued a civil service career while simultaneously writing for the stage, eventually establishing himself as one of the leading librettists of the Second French Empire. His long and fruitful collaboration with composer Jacques Offenbach produced dozens of operettas celebrated for their elegance, satire, and sparkling dialogue.

Halévy’s partnership with Henri Meilhac marked a turning point in French opera and musical theater, blending sharp social observation with compelling storytelling. Together, they crafted the libretto for Carmen, adapting Prosper Mérimée’s novella into a bold, character-driven drama that challenged convention and reshaped the genre. Beyond opera, Halévy enjoyed acclaim as a novelist and playwright, earning election to the Académie française in 1884 and leaving behind a legacy defined by intelligence, theatrical flair, and lasting influence.