The audience’s favorite “La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini will be staged at NOVAT on 26th September. The new life of a legendary story started in the end of the 72nd season – the renovated “La Bohème” opened Veronika Dzhioeva festival. The performance returned to Novosibirsk at full house and ten minutes long storm of applause.
The performance, which is to be staged on 26th September, will be conducted by Musical Director and Principal Conductor of NOVAT Dmitri Jurowski. Master shared his opinion on Puccini’s genius piece in the following small interview.
-Have you conducted “La Bohème” ever before?
- I have an interesting story of relationship with this opera – for the first time I conducted it back in conservatory, as a students’ performance, then I worked with some arias and separate scenes during gala concerts, and this will be the first time I conduct the whole “La Bohème” as a full scale production with an orchestra. I must admit it’s that rare occasion when I am a bit worried about the performance.
- “La Bohème” has been appreciated at our theatre and around the world for many years. What’s so special about this Puccini’s work?
- Me personally, I have heard it countless times in numerous theatres of the world featured with different soloists and there are intricate moments in this music that seizes my breath. One can hardly find another musical composition so rich in emotionally diverse and beautiful music - it’s tragic, lively, sad. And I’m afraid to forget that I’m here not just to listen but also to conduct an orchestra. My only hope is that it will be easier for me once I step to the conductor’s stand. “La Bohème” is hard for any conductor – it’s intricately organized but I believe it’s more about emotional tension.
- What details of your “La Bohème” would you like to highlight?
- In my opinion, even on an enormous stage like ours, “La Bohème” must keep its chamber, intimate nature. This “intimate” approach is a key that unlocks the whole genius potential of Puccini’s masterpiece, reveals all its emotional depth. I‘d like to make this performance emotionally unforgettable not only for the audience (it’s our first priority always), but for the performers also.
I’d like to mention, that “La Bohème” shows among other issues our cooperative work with the singers. Our young soloists have advanced considerately for the past year and a half, and this “La Bohème” production is a mark of their progress.
"La Bohème. Renovation" will be performed on 26th September, at 19.00. Tickets are available at the theatre box office and on the website novat.nsk.ru