La Bohème

 

5, 9, 11, 16 MAY 2012 @ 19H30
Opera House, Artscape

Cape Town Opera presents

Puccini’s

La Bohème

“To be alone in winter is too much to bear …”

Puccini’s eternally fresh and irresistibly romantic portrait of Bohemian life in Paris returns in Christine Crouse’s classic staging

Four struggling Parisian artists attack life, love and loss with irrepressible joie de vivre in Puccini’s most heart-warming opera. Filled with famous arias, soaring ensembles and poignant dramatic details, La Bohème follows the troubled love affair of the poet Rodolfo and the terminally ill seamstress Mimì, while their penniless but high-spirited companions embrace the Bohemian life in Paris’ Latin Quarter.

The opera returns to Cape Town as Matthew Wild revives Christine Crouse’s touching production, set in liberated Paris shortly after World War II, in Michael Mitchell’s evocative sets. Rising young South African stars Nozuko Teto and Given Nkosi sing the lead roles Mimì and Rodolfo, following their acclaimed appearances in Suor Angelica and Lucia di Lammermoor respectively in Cape Town. British conductor Jeremy Silver leads the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, with the CTO Voice of the Nation Chorus bringing Paris’ bustling crowds to life.

Italian credentials

Nozuko Teto and Given Nkosi return to South Africa fresh from studying with two of the greatest Italian singers of the 20th century – Mirella Freni and Renata Scotto, both noted exponents of Mimì and Puccini’s other soprano roles.

La Bohème is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund


CONDUCTOR Jeremy Silver
DIRECTOR Matthew Wild (after Christine Crouse)
ORCHESTRA Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
SET/COSTUME DESIGNER Michael Mitchell
LIGHTING DESIGNER Fahiem Baardien

Principal Cast:

Rodolfo Given Nkosi
Mimì Nozuko Teto
Marcello Owen Metsileng
Musetta Siphamandla Yakupa
Schaunard Amos Nomnabo
Colline Xolela Sixaba
Benoît Monde Masimini
Alcindoro Monde Masimini
Parpignol Vuyisile Hlaka
Station Master Lindile Kula Sr
Controller Lindile Kula Jr

Chorus: Cape Town Opera Chorus
Chorus Master: Albert Horne

Concessions:

OPERA WEEKEND SPECIAL – See La Bohème on Friday 11 and the Bel Canto Gala Concert on 13 May and ENJOY R100 discount on the purchase of the 2 tickets. Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . **Not applicable on lowest price [R150/R125/R100] price category.

Pensioners & students: 50% discount on the day of the show with ID at the venue

Block bookings: 10% discount for groups of 8 or more

Schools (ages 5 to 21): 50% discount on the day of the show with ID

Cast subject to change without prior notification

Patrons are kindly reminded to switch off their cellular telephones during performances

The use of cameras or recording equipment is not allowed during the performance

Please note casting and dates are subject to change without prior notice