Details

Puccini's most enduring opera. The story of the love of the poor poet Rodolfo for the consumptive seamstress Mimi. Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris the course of their love is constantly threatened by Rodolfo's jealousy and Mimi's illness. The painter Marcello and the provocative Musetta are the other main characters. This is where 'your tiny hand is frozen' comes from and the last few bars, as Rodolfo realises Mimi is dead, are some of opera's most moving moments. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Running time 2 hours 52 minutes. Sponsored (1974) by The Linbury Trust and The Friends of Covent Garden.

Cast/Performers

Ramon Vargas (Rodolfo May 27 / 30 / Jun 4 / 6 / 8 / 12 / 19 / 22), Jorge Antonio Pita (Rodolfo Jun10 / 14), Tito Beltran (Rodolfo Jun 26 / 29mat), Cristina Gallardo-Domas (Mimi May 27 / 30 / Jun 4 / 6 / 8 / 12 / 19 / 22), Krassimira Stoyanova (Mimi Jun 10 / 14), Emily Pulley (Mimi Jun 26 / 29), Peter Coleman-Wright (Marcello), Ainhoa Arteta (Musetta), John Relyea (Colline May 27 / 30 / Jun 4 / 6 / 8 / 12 / 19 / 22), Graeme Broadbent (Colline Jun10 / 14 / 26 / 29mat), Quentin Hayes (Schaunard), Ryland Davies (Alcindoro), Grant Dickson (Benoit)

Creatives/Company

Music: Puccini
Lyrics(s): Giacosa, Illica
Book by: Murger
Company: Royal Opera
Conductor(s): Philippe Auguin (except Jun 26 / 29), Paul Wynne Griffiths (Jun 26 / 29)
Director: John Copley
Design: Julia Trevelyan Oman
Lighting: John Charlton (after [William Bundy])