[Sydney] Experience the passion and heartbreak of first love and loss in La Bohème
Opera Australia’s winter season finale will see the return of internationally renowned director, Gale Edward’s widely acclaimed production of Giacomo Puccini’s adored La Bohème, to the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage.
Supplied: Opera Australia
This heartbreakingly beautiful opera of love persevering throughout life’s hardships has been moving audiences around the world for generations and has inspired countless modern interpretations from Rent to Moulin Rouge.
Its all-consuming uplifting and enchanting music soars, exposing the emotions behind the magic of love at first sight, the bitterness of jealousy and the agony of loss that words alone cannot express.
Award-winning director Danielle Maas takes on her first revival production for Opera Australia, bringing to life Edwards’ glittering reimagining of the original bohemian love story. Audiences will be transported to the dazzling fishnets and fairy lights world of 1930s Berlin, marvellously created by a dynamic team including lighting designer John Rayment and costume designer Julie Lynch.
Audiences new to opera and those who have enjoyed the beauty of La Bohème will marvel at the talent of this season’s cast. Australian Chinese tenor Kang Wang reprises his celebrated portrayal of Rodolfo, alongside soprano Olivia Cranwell who shines as Mimi, award-winning Australian American soprano Rachelle Durkin as Musetta and Opera Australia principal baritone Luke Gabbedy as Marcello. German-born conductor Erina Yashima will make her Opera Australia debut to lead the Opera Australia Orchestra followed by OA’s Chorus Master Paul Fitzsimon later in the season.
With its glorious music and universal themes of love, friendship and loss, La Bohème is a story that transcends time and place, making it enticing for opera fans and easily accessible for newcomers, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of opera to all.
Event Details:
Dates: 23 August – 20 September 2025
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one interval.
Location: Sydney Opera House
Warnings: This production contains partial nudity.
Notes: Performed in Italian with English and Simplified Chinese surtitles.