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Entertainment  

La boheme playing KCT

Opera Kelowna presents Giacomo Puccini’s La bohème, August 18 & 19, 2017 at 7:30pm at the Kelowna Community Theatre. One of the world’s most frequently performed operas, the romantic, heart-wrenching tale follows a close-knit circle of poets, painters, and performers who struggle for art and love amidst poverty and hardship. Though La bohème was originally set in the 1830’s, Opera Kelowna’s production draws on the fashion and style of the 1920s to craft a unique and compelling aesthetic.

Based on Henri Murger’s 1851 novel, Scenes from the Bohemian Life, the opera is set in the frigid cold of a Paris winter. Its narrative follows the intertwined lives and loves of a small group of friends: the poet, Rodolfo, the seamstress Mimi, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, the philosopher Colline, and the coquette, Musetta.

Making his North American debut as Rodolfo is Chilean tenor Leon de la Guardia. After completing studies at the Conservatorio de Musica Isidor Handler, the rising star moved to Italy and now performs on opera stages across Europe. Playing opposite de la Guardia as Mimi is Edmonton-born soprano Ana Toumine, who recently played as Rosalinde in Opera McGill’s Die Fledermaus.

Acclaimed soprano and Kelowna native Carmen Harris makes a highly anticipated return to Opera Kelowna as Musetta, after appearing as Susanna in Opera Kelowna’s 2015 production of the Marriage of Figaro. Also returning to the company is baritone Aaron Durand as Schaunard, following a commanding performance as Papageno in 2016’s The Magic Flute.

The cast will also feature baritone Adam Harris as Marcello, who recently performed the baritone solo in Carmina Burana with the Indian River Festival, and UBC alumnus, bass-baritone Peter Monaghan, who will play Colline.

Joining the principal cast members on stage are members of Opera Kelowna’s adult and children’s choruses, hailing from communities across the Okanagan. The combined company will be accompanied by this season’s Opera Kelowna Orchestra, under the baton of Scottish conductor Bernard McDonald.

La bohème will mark the third Opera Kelowna engagement for Director Jessica Derventzis, who recently completed work as Associate Director on Dead Man Walking at the inaugural Vancouver Opera Festival. The creative team bringing Derventzis’ 1920s vision to life includes costume designer and Salmon Arm native Keren Huyter, and Alberta-based set and lighting designer Alison Yanota.

Puccini is known for composing some of the greatest operas of all-time, including La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot. A series of free concerts and community engagements will support and inform La bohème’s run. Details can be found at: operakelowna.com/2017-summer-concert-series



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