Puccini's La Bohème

Premiered in Turin in 1896, Puccini's La Bohème was destined to become one of the most frequently performed operas of the repertoire. Yet at the time of its premiere, La Bohème was one of a wave of revolutionary new operas that brought the lives of common people to the opera stage. As Puccini himself explained, he put "great sorrow in little souls," and in doing so created a new style called verismo. The opera's now-familiar tale follows two young artists, Rodolfo and Marcello, as they negotiate their complicated lives and respective love affairs with the seamstress Mimi and the extravagant singer Musetta.

Stage director Claus Guth and musical director Gustavo Dudamel's 2017 production of La Bohème was a highlight of the Opéra Bastille's 2017/2018 season. As Mimi, Nicole Car led renowned colleagues Aida Garifullina (Musetta), Atalla Ayan (Rodolfo), Artur Ruciński (Marcello), Alessio Arduini (Schaunard), and Roberto Tagliavini (Colline). They are joined by the celebrated Orchestra and Choirs of the Opéra national de Paris.

Ernst & Young : Mécène principal de l’Opéra national de Paris
PAPREC : Mécène principal du Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris

Atalla Ayan appears courtesy of Sony Classical (Sony Classical's facebook and youtube pages).
Aida Garifullina appears courtesy of DECCA.

Photo: © Bernd Uhlig