This production, set in the 1990s, tells the story of four poor bohemians living in a rundown loft in the Latin quarter of Paris. Tragic and heartfelt, La Bohème tells the story of Rodolfo, a poet and his friends a painter, musician and philosopher.
Mimì, a fragile seamstress who lives next door, falls in love with Rodolfo. He feigns jealousy in an effort to dissuade her love, believing someone wealthier would be able to help her get better. Mimì's health rapidly declines and finally her friends gather and watch on helplessly as she succumbs, her true love at her side.
This emotionally realistic 'verismo' style opera will carry you away with its melodic richness, big hitting arias and fast moving dialogue.
West Australian Opera Chorus
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Musical spotlight
'Che gelida manina' (What a cold little hand) sung by Rodolfo to Mimì — one of the most famous tenor arias in the opera repertoire.
This recording is used by kind permission of Universal Music Australia.