Double century for La Bohème
Image: La Bohème, Opera Australia 2020. Photo: Prudence Upton.
Opera Australia’s stunning production of La Bohème, conceived by Gail Edwards, returns for a summer season at Sydney Opera House notching up a remarkable 200 performances.
Giacomo Puccini’s much loved tale of love, loss and youth, was originally set in Bohemian Paris around 1830. Edwards shifted that to 1930s Berlin, insinuating historically resonant overtones just from the date and place.
With the help of a gorgeous set design by OAM-recipient Brian Thompson and stunning costumes by Helpmann Award-winner Julie Lynch, Edwards creates a cabaret/circus/revue aesthetic which is visually sumptuous.
The story of two students who fall in love with two young women struggling to survive is told with humour, enchantment and tragedy, each of these heightened by Opera Australia’s intuitive, thoughtful productions.
South Korean soprano Karah Son reprises her highly acclaimed Mimì from 2020, sharing the role with Australian sopranos Danita Weatherstone and Rebecca Gulinello, who both recently played Micaëla in Carmen on Cockatoo Island.
Peruvian tenor Iván Ayón Rivas makes his Australian debut playing lovesick poet Rodolfo in the first half of the season. Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan takes over as Rodolfo for the latter half, making his Opera Australia role debut.
OA favourite Julie Lea Goodwin reprises her much lauded Musetta, also relinquishing the role to OA principal Esther Song in the latter part of the season. Both will play opposite Haotian Qi who returns as Marcello.
The Opera Australia Orchestra will be conducted by celebrated Italian maestro Michelangelo Mazza will share conducting duties with OA Head of Music Tahu Matheson.
This is an opera favourite produced with vitality and freshness that will delight fans and surprise new comers.
