La bohème: Your Perfect First Opera

The plot of La bohème is one everyone can relate to, as it’s all about being young and having fun with friends – until real life intervenes, that is.

In Puccini’s classic, the main characters are all penniless bohemians with the action taking place in Paris, the city of romance. It is here that love blossoms between the poet Rodolfo and seamstress Mimì, who lives in the same building and comes looking for a light for her candle as evening falls.

Since its premiere in 1895, La bohème has consistently stayed in the Top 10 most performed operas worldwide, testament to its enduring appeal.

Claire Osborne is a violinist in the Orchestra of Opera North. She’ll be playing Puccini’s incredible score at every performance.

For her, this opera is particularly special as it’s the first one she performed after joining the orchestra several years ago: “I was overwhelmed by it from the first second to the last. It’s a gem of an opera: short and sweet and full of emotions that just bowl you over.”

Harpist Céline Saout agrees: “If you haven’t been to an opera before, La bohème is the best one to start with. The story is incredible and to me, more importantly it speaks directly to the heart.”

Pay what you can means… just that. Whatever you can afford, that’s what the ticket costs. Suggested prices start at £2 (with no extra booking fees). You can buy online, or our friendly Box Office team can help you with your booking in person or over the ‘phone. The other good news is you can wear what you like, so there’s no need to splash out on something new unless you really want to.

Worried you won’t understand it? While La bohème is sung in the original Italian, English subtitles are displayed on either side of the stage to ensure you never miss a word. And, if you want to find out more about the opera before you go (there’s no need, but it might just impress your friends…), take a look at our In a Nutshell which tells you all the need to know.

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