On Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, Edmonton Opera will return to the Jubilee stage for the first time with a lavish production of Puccini’s timeless love story, La Bohème. Rehearsals are currently underway, and the cast and creative team are currently hard at work bringing 19th Century Paris to life. Opening night will mark the first time the company has presented a full-scale production to a live audience since February 2020.
Led by Conductor Simon Rivard in his company debut and Director François Racine, La Bohème tells the story of a poor seamstress and her group of artist friends as they search for love and meaning in the City of Lights. 126 years after its premiere, this opera continues to move audiences and influence pop culture, inspiring several adaptations ranging from the popular film Moulin Rouge to the Broadway musical Rent.
The story of La Bohème is especially prescient during a global pandemic, as Mimì suffers and ultimately succumbs to a respiratory illness. Its themes of poverty, friendship, love, and loss are as relevant today as when the opera was written 126 years ago.
Tenor Andrew Haji was set to make his company debut in the iconic role of Rodolfo, one made famous by star singers like Luciano Pavarotti. Less than a week before opening night, Haji tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently isolating and feeling well. With only four days before opening, tenor Adam Luther boarded a plane from Stratford, Ontario and is currently hard at work learning a month’s worth of staging, coaching with the conductor, plus last-minute wardrobe fittings. Haji is expected to resume performances for the remaining performances on Feb. 8 and 11.
On opening night, Luther will be joined by his co-star, soprano Miriam Khalil, and an all-star Canadian cast of singers. Khalil has sung the role of Mimì across North America (The Canadian Opera Company, Calgary Opera, Minnesota Opera), earning rave reviews for her sensitive portrayal of Rodolfo’s true love. Khalil last appeared in Edmonton Opera’s 2010 production of Bohème but in the role of Musetta.
The safety of artists and audiences is a priority for Edmonton Opera, and the company has enhanced its safety protocols due to the increased transmissibility of the Omicron varient. Proof of double vaccination is required for all artists and guests at the Jubilee Auditorium (proof of negative Covid-19 tests are not permitted), audience capacity is limited to 50%, and KN95 masks will be available to all ticket buyers upon arrival. For detailed safety protocols, please visit edmontonopera.com/covid.
Media Availability & Preview
Interviews with members of the cast or Joel Ivany, Edmonton Opera’s Artistic Director, are available with advanced notice. B-roll footage with audio of the performance (limited to 5 minutes in duration) may also be recorded at the media preview on Feb. 3 at 7:00pm.
To schedule an interview or rsvp your outlet’s attendance, please contact Cameron MacRae, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 780.984.3634 orcameron.macrae@edmontonopera.com.