Fresno State School of Music presents Puccini’s ‘La bohème’

The Fresno State Opera Theatre and Symphony Orchestra will combine for a unique production of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved masterpiece, “La bohème.” 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Fresno State Concert Hall. The opera will be sung in Italian with English surtitles projected above the stage. Tickets are $30 for general admission; $25 for Fresno State employees; $20 for active military, veterans, seniors and non-Fresno State students; $10 for children 12 and under and free for Fresno State students. Parking is free in lots P1, P4 or P31.

First performed in 1896, this timeless opera follows a group of young, impoverished artists navigating young love, friendship, poverty and sacrifice in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Based on the 1851 book, “Scènes de la vie de bohème” by Henri Murger, the opera’s libretto focuses on the love story between Rodolfo and Mimì. 

One of the most beloved and frequently performed operas in the classical repertoire, La bohème is renowned for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, capturing joy, vitality and the heart-wrenching tragedy of loss.

While the original opera is set in the 1830s, this Fresno State production takes place in 1950s Paris. Dr. Maria Briggs, associate professor of voice, said the updates help the students and audience connect to the scenes and characters. 

“In opera houses, we will very often reinvent an opera and put it in a different setting,” explained Briggs. “I just love the 1950s look and fashion, so it is really fun to imagine different characters in a 1950s look.”

The setting, she said, helps students relate to the characters and their financial and relationship struggles while coming to grips with the harsh reality of life as they find their place in the world.  

The opera production includes 55 members of the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra, along with 18 Opera Theatre performers inside the 270-seat Concert Hall, promising a powerful yet intimate experience for the audience. 

“One of the great things about opera is the power of it,” said Dr. Anthony Radford, professor of voice and opera. “What the audience gets in this intimate setting is the full power of opera, and they’re up close and personal. You can feel it. It’s as if you’re in the front few rows at the  Royal Opera House, London.”

The faculty production team includes director and chorus master Briggs, producer Radford, conductor Dr. Thomas Loewenheim and coach and repetiteur Dr. Drew Quiring. 

To view the full list of performances this spring, as students, faculty and guest artists take the stage in dozens of public concerts at Fresno State’s School of Music, visit the Fresno State calendar for complete concert details and tickets.