City of Perth’s much anticipated Opera in the Park event for 2018 will see West Australian Opera present Puccini’s popular masterpiece La Bohème, directed by Stuart Maunder.
La Bohème tells the story of a group of friends and idealists, living freely as they pursue their dreams. At the heart of the story are Rodolfo and Mimi who fall in love at first sight; but their hopeful outlook on life is shattered as they face poverty, illness and loss.
This opera includes many well-known arias, including Rodolfo’s famous ‘Che gelida manina’, Mimi’s’ ‘Mi chiamano Mimi’ and Musetta’s ‘Quando me’n vo’’.
This will be the first occasion that La Bohème has been presented in the park; and it will also be the debut performance in Australia for Elena Perroni, who will appear as Mimi. Although currently based in Philadelphia, Elena was born and bred in Perth.
West Australian Opera Artistic Director Brad Cohen said, “I am delighted to introduce Elena Perroni to our audiences, and to promote fresh WA talent through West Australian Opera. Elena is a thrilling rising star, and to catch her on the rise fits brilliantly with our mission: to support Australian artists, to develop an Australian operatic sensibility, and to present the very best in international talent to WAO audiences.”
Appearing on stage with Elena will be Paul O’Neill as Rodolfo, Taryn Fiebig as Musetta (a singer), James Clayton as Marcello (a painter), Mark Alderson a Schaunard (a musician) and Paull-Anthony Keightley as Colline (a philosopher). Brad Cohen will conduct the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for this production which will also feature the West Australian Opera Chorus.
This will be an evening of beautiful melody and spine-tingling performances, touching on the heartbreaking moments we face in our lives.
As has occurred each year since 2010, the Opera in the Park production will be simulcast to regional communities throughout the state.
After a successful inaugural launch in 2017, the special fund-raising event WAO’s Sunset Supper is being held once again in conjunction with this production. Patrons can enjoy the ultimate City of Perth’s Opera in the Park experience as well as supporting Western Australian Opera. Ticket price includes exclusive pre show dinner as well as seating and hospitality in the park. More information and bookings at www.waopera.asn.au.
