Tragedy, harmony and love

• Source: Global Times
• [08:43 August 03 2010]
• Comments

"In my opinion, the thing that makes this opera special is vocal demands especially for the role of Rodolfo, a serious young man. His voice has to be more tender and gentle and this needs excellent breath control. Mimi, although she is a dedicate young working-class girl suffering a serious illness, is a strong character, especially when she discovers she is dying from the disease and decides to leave her love to give him the chance of a better life. She has to have a strong voice."

According to the musical director of Teatro Regio Torino, Gianandrea Noseda, most of the visiting 220 singers, chorus and orchestral musicians arriving in Shanghai from Italy, will be young and talented.

"La Bohème tells a story of young people and it is best played by young people." He said he preferred Pavarotti's interpretation of Rodolfo and Mirella Freni's Mimi. "Pavarotti has passed away, and Freni is no longer singing so we need fresh voices but still retain it as a classic."

In Shanghai Mimi will be sung by the promising young award-winning soprano Erika Grimaldi and acclaimed Gianluca Terranova will sing Rodolfo. Terranova has appeared in many of Europe's major opera houses in leading roles.

Noseda said the production for this Shanghai performance is one of the company's most popular, bringing to life the Paris of 1830 in detailed sets and costumes as the audience moves with the characters between bare attics, crowded cafés and a bar street on the outskirts of the city.

Noseda will conduct the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House to make La Bohème in Shanghai a great romantic and musical night out.

Date: Wednesday and Friday,7:30 pm

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater

上海大剧院

Address: 300 People's Avenue

人民大道300号

Tickets: 150 to 800 yuan

Call 6386- 2836 for details