Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra Of The Royal Opera House

John Copley’s production of Puccini’s much-loved opera has delighted audiences since it was first performed in 1974. La bohème is one of the greatest of operatic romances, with wonderful melodies and a story that combines poignant tragedy and witty comedy. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s beautifully-realized designs evoke 19th-century Paris to perfection, with atmospheric lighting by John Charlton, Lighting Manager for The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. Dan Ettinger, Alexander Joel and Plácido Domingo share the conducting honours, in a double-cast revival of this wonderful and much loved production.

When Rodolfo, a penniless poet, meets Mimì, a seamstress, they fall passionately in love. Their happiness is threatened when Rodolfo learns that Mimì is gravely ill. Rodolfo is painfully aware that he cannot afford the medicine and care Mimì needs, and separates from her. But at the end of her life Mimì returns to Rodolfo’s garret. The lovers are ecstatically reunited – but, despite all the efforts of Rodolfo and his friends, Mimì dies.

La bohème had a lukewarm reception at its premiere in 1896, but its fortunes almost immediately changed. Giacomo Puccini’s deft depiction of bohemian Paris, from the lively Latin Quarter, where hawkers and traders ply their wares, to the drafty attic where impoverished artists live hand-to-mouth, has delighted audiences for generations. Rodolfo and Mimì's love story is given moving expression through Puccini’s score, from their first meeting in Act I (a scene which contains two of the composer’s most exquisite arias and a beautiful duet) to their poignant reunion in Act IV. These scenes of emotional intensity contrast with the colourful spectacle of Christmas Eve outside the Café Momus in Act II, where Puccini presents a cross-section of vibrant, noisy Parisian society.