The Aurora Opera House is all set for Puccini's La Bohème to be staged tomorrow at 7.30 p.m. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth and it was for this particular reason that the Aurora management opted for a Puccini opera this time round.

Set in 1830 Paris, La Bohème is a heart-warming story of starving artists falling in and out of love in the French capital. In fact, it is a seamless mix of romantic passion, poignant tragedy and high-spirited fun. Love, poverty and sickness bring the plot to a fatal, tranquil death of Mimì surrounded by her lover and his friends.

The main cast will be headed by the internationally acclaimed Maltese soprano Lydia Caruana who will interpret the role of Mimì. This much expected appearance will be her first on a Gozitan operatic stage. Francesco Grollo in the role of Rodolfo, the poet, will head the male quadruple flanked by Marzio Giossi (Marcello - the painter), Romano Franceschetto (Schaunard - the musician), and Gozitan Noel Galea (Colline - the philosopher). The latter three have already successfully participated in previous operatic performances at the theatre. The demanding and dynamic role of Musetta has been entrusted to Swiss Christiane Boesiger, a new face to grace the Aurora stage.

Novella Tabili will once again be responsible for the artistic direction and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be under the baton of resident conductor Colin Attard. The formidable cast will be complemented by the Aurora Opera Chorus, which this year includes a junior section.

Tickets for the single performance are on sale from the Aurora's booking office. Silver tickets are sold at €60 and bronze at €45. A very limited number of gold tickets at €70 and back-seats at €25 are still available. Bookings can be made by phoning 2156 2974 or 2155 9452 or via email at info@leone.org.mt.

In order to facilitate transport to and from the theatre a free shuttle service between Mgarr-Victoria-Mgarr will be provided before and after the performance for Gozo Channel passengers.

Scene shown above is Soprano Lydia Caruana (Mimi) and tenor Francesco Grollo (Rodolfo) rehearsing the finale of La Bohème's fourth act for tomorrow's performance at the Aurora Opera House, Victoria.

Photo: Brian Crocker.