From Dante to Petrarca, Italians have always been recognized as passionate and emotionally stimulating influences in the arts, literature, and life. In his widely acclaimed opera La Boheme, which Opera Omaha will be performing throughout this month, Giacomo Puccini displays his true Italian roots by weaving a story of the challenges and triumphs of love and relationships within the rich and captivating sounds of opera.
Opera Omaha, which began in 1958, has revived several classical masterpieces over the last 50 years, as well as premiered contemporary works for the first time on American soil and in the world. The company made the Orpheum Theater its home in 1975, and has made it a primary initiative to cater to the artistic tastes of distinct audience segments. Opera Omaha has also been very involved with music education and community outreach programs throughout the Midwest, particularly through Opera for Everyone and Opera Insights.
Its upcoming performances of La Boheme illustrate the company’s commitment to providing an enriching and diverse repertoire for its audiences.
Puccini’s four- act opera was developed during the late nineteenth century and was based on Henri Murger’s novel, Scènes de la vie de bohème. The story takes place in Paris around 1830, although the libretto is composed in Italian. The plot examines the evolution of two poor couples’ relationships: between the poet Rodolfo and the seamstress Mimì, and between the painter Marcello and the singer Musetta. Mimì becomes ill with tuberculosis, and Rodolfo urges her to leave him for a wealthier man who can afford to take care of her. Marcello becomes consumed with jealousy after he sees Musetta with her new admirer, Alcindoro, and he sets out down a stubborn course of reconciliation. Both couples endure fits of jealousy, moments of intimate embraces, and heart wrenching decisions of sacrifice. The end of Act III culminates in a climactic and deeply moving quartet entitled, “Addio, dolce svegliare alla mattina!” which, translated, means “Goodbye, sweet awakening in the morning!”
Puccini’s arrangement of Murger’s novel into operatic form, supported by its colorful soprano notes and resounding baritone depth, outwardly exhibits the very internal emotions of love and passion felt by two people.
Callie Ralston, an advertising and marketing intern at Opera Omaha, said, “I am a strong supporter that music brings a new dimension to any story. There is something so romantic and intimate about hearing the words, ‘I love you,’ sung in Italian between two people who are very much in love.”
Most admirable, however, is Puccini’s uncanny ability to relate to modern audiences through a libretto written over 100 years ago.
“I find Puccini and his work so interesting because he really seems to understand how important love is and how it impacts so many lives,” Ralston added. “Especially in La Boheme, he has a way of connecting with the audience by reminding them of their past, whether it be their first love, or struggling to get by, or the fun and carefree day of being young and naïve. He just has a way of connecting to many audiences through his work.”
Opera Omaha is presenting La Boheme at the Orpheum Theater Slosburg Hall April 15th and April 17th at 7:30 p.m., and April 19th at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Opera Omaha box office at 1624 Farnam Street Suite 100, by calling Opera Omaha at (866) 434-8587; (402) 345-0606, or online at www.operaomaha.org.