Live opera returns this summer with Connecticut Virtuosi’s production of Puccini’s beloved masterwork La Bohème Opening Night performance set for July 2 in New Britain; July 11 performance in Hartford kicks off Annual Summer Music Festival HARTFORD/NEW BRITAIN, CT.
Live opera returns this summer with Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra’s production of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved masterwork La Bohème. The powerful story of love and selflessness, which inspired the Tony and Pulitzer Award-winning rock musical Rent, is presented in partnership with Connecticut Lyric Opera. Jan Mason, Associate Artistic Director for Connecticut Lyric Opera, will direct. Adrian Sylveen, Artistic Director for the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and Connecticut Lyric Opera, will conduct.
La Bohème, which takes place during the height of the Bohemian Movement in 19th century Paris, tells the story of Rodolfo, a man willing to give up everything, including his own happiness, for the sake of his beloved Mimi. Despite hardship, illness, poverty, and unspeakable tragedy, love and hope still burn bright. La Bohème features some of the most recognizable and celebrated operatic songs - including “Che Gelida Manina”, “Quando M’en Vo”, “Si Mi Chiamo Mimi”, and “O, Soave Fanciulla”. “La Bohème is the perfect production to mark our emergence from the COVID pandemic, as it will give audiences an opportunity to once again gather together as a community for a shared performing arts experience with one of the most beloved operas in the canon,” said Director Jan Mason.
“A sweeping story of love and loss, La Bohème touches our hearts as we follow the trials and tribulations of Rodolfo and Mimi’s tragic love story.
This production promises to be a special celebration of Puccini’s iconic masterpiece.” La Bohème reunites Mason with a trio of Connecticut Lyric Opera core company members - Soprano Jūratė Švedaitė as Mimi, Tenor Daniel Juárez as Rodolfo, and Bass Steven Fredericks as Colline - who previously dazzled audiences in Tosca and Aida. The talented cast also features Baritone Samuel Bowen as Schaunard, Baritone Levi Hernandez as Marcello, Soprano Maria Margiolakou as Musetta, and Bass Stefan Szkafarowsky as Benoit and Alcindoro. Bowen, Margiolakou and Szkafarowsky have previously performed with Connecticut Lyric Opera.
In addition to Mason and Sylveen, the creative team includes Assistant Director Joey Taylor (In the Heights, Dutchess Community College; Animal Farm, Dramaturg, Western Connecticut State University), Scenic Designer Lynne Porter (Pericles: Born in a Tempest, Guerilla Shakespeare Project; Doubt: A Parable, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble), and Costume Designer Orianna Cruz, a recent Central Connecticut State University graduate.