 When rehearsals began in October 1874 the orchestra had difficulties with the score , finding some parts unplayable . The chorus likewise declared some of their music impossible to sing , and were dismayed that they had to act as individuals , smoking and fighting onstage rather than merely standing in line . Bizet also had to counter further attempts at the Opéra @-@ Comique to modify parts of the action which they deemed improper . Only when the leading singers threatened to withdraw from the production did the management give way . Resolving these issues delayed the first night until 3 March 1875 on which morning , by chance , Bizet 's appointment as a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour was announced . 
