Rodolfo and Mimi embrace and leave together.Ī cold February day, at dawn. Rodolfo tells them he is not alone, but that they will join them in a moment.

From the courtyard Rodolfo’s friends call him to join them at the Café. He tells her of his passion for writing, she tells him of her love of flowers and springtime. When both candles go out (hers by accident his by intent), and Mimi drops her key on the floor, as they search, their hands touch and a tender bond is created between the two young people. She has a sudden fit of coughing and faints. Mimi (soprano), a neighbor, knocks at the door and asks if Rodolfo will light her candle. Rodolfo stays behind to finish a newspaper article he is writing. Marcello, Colline and Schaunard leave to go to Cafe Momus. When the four bohemians loosen his tongue with a bit of wine, the old man boasts of his extra-marital affairs and the four penniless friends, feigning indignation, throw him out.

The four begin to feast when they are interrupted by the landlord Benoit (bass), who has come to claim the past due rent. Schaunard brings food and wine bought with money he just earned from giving music lessons to a British tourist. Two friends join them, the philosopher Colline (bass), and the musician Schaunard (baritone). It is cold and, lacking wood, Rodolfo lights the stove with the manuscript of his latest play. With an acclaimed international cast, ravishing music, and relatable tale of exuberance and struggle, Puccini’s La bohème will win your heart for the first or fiftieth time.The poet Rodolfo (tenor) is looking at the snow covered rooftops, while his friend, the painter Marcello (baritone), works on a painting of the Hebrews crossing the Red Sea. This striking production features grand sets evoking the city of love, from the gritty garrets of the Left Bank to the bustling Café Momus.

If tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, then make today a party! No other group of friends bursts with more youthful optimism than in Puccini’s tough and tender story. Oh, to be young and in love in Paris! Sure, there are bills to be paid-but there’s also art, moonlight, and poetry! When a group of young bohemian artists gets tangled up in love’s highs and lows, growing up is its own bittersweet heartbreak. Music by Giacomo Puccini / Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica

La boheme opera running time