La Bohème has FIVE performances
at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver
Saturday, April 25, 7:30PM | Sunday, April 26, 2:00PM |
Thursday, April 30, 7:30PM | Saturday, May 2, 7:30PM |
Sunday, May 3, 2:00PM
Vancouver Opera’s blockbuster 2025-2026 season culminates in April and May with five performances of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved La Bohème at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. One of opera’s most cherished works, La Bohème’s passion, heartbreak, and soaring melodies will close the season on an unforgettable high note, both artistically and at the box office. As of today, La Bohème is the fastest selling show in VO history, on pace to sell out all five performances!
Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris, La Bohème follows a group of young artists struggling to survive, create, and fall in love. At its heart is the tender and tragic romance between the poet Rodolfo and the ailing seamstress Mimì, a simple story that has resonated since its 1896 premiere and directly inspired more recent works like the Broadway musical RENT. From the playful camaraderie of bohemian life to the devastating beauty of its final act, Puccini’s score bursts with some of the most recognizable and emotionally resonant music ever written, conducted here by Vancouver Opera’s Music Director Emeritus, Maestro Jonathan Darlington, with an all-star cast steered by director Brenna Corner. A true and transcendent masterpiece, La Bohème’s deeply human story, sweeping arias, intimate duets, and vivid orchestration continues to captivate seasoned opera lovers, while arguably offering the best and most memorable experience for first-time attendees. Want to open someone’s heart to opera? La Bohème can convince the unsure, and convert even the staunchest detractors.
“This season has been an extraordinary journey for Vancouver Opera, and there could be no more fitting a finale than La Bohème,” said Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “Puccini’s music captures youthful love and loss with breathtaking immediacy and intimacy, and it remains one of the most powerful experiences in all of opera. We are especially thrilled to welcome back acclaimed Maestro Jonathan Darlington to lead this incredible work, and we know audiences will feel his passion for this music in the theatre.”
The principal cast for La Bohème includes Jonelle Sills as Mimì (April 25, April 30, May 2), alternating with Lucia Cesaroni (April 26, May 3), Matthew White (April 25, April 30, May 2) as Rodolfo, alternating with Zachary Rioux (April 26, May 3), Gregory Dahl as Marcello, Lara Ciekiewicz as Musetta, Alex Halliday as Colline, Justin Welsh as Schaunard, and Thomas Goerz as Benoit/Alcindoro. They are joined by members of the Vancouver Opera Chorus.
Adds Wright, “closing the season with such an incredible work leads us beautifully into next season, when we’ll present three timeless operas. In 2026-2027, audiences will be able to experience the magic of Tosca, The Barber of Seville and La Traviata. We encourage opera fans to secure their seats for next season as excitement is already building. We are also thrilled to announce that Montecristo Jewellers returns to Vancouver Opera as our season sponsor.”
Tickets are on sale now for La Bohème and are selling fast. Subscriptions for the 2026-2027 season are also available. For more information and to subscribe, please visit vancouveropera.ca.
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ABOUT VANCOUVER OPERA
Vancouver Opera creates extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire and entertain through voice, music, and theatre. Vancouver Opera is the second-largest professional opera company in Canada and is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions, country-leading education programs, and innovative community programs. Learn more at www.vancouveropera.ca.
Vancouver Opera has the continuing support of The Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Canada, the BC Arts Council and BC Provincial Government, the City of Vancouver Cultural Services and Vancouver Civic Theatres. Vancouver Opera’s season sponsor is Montecristo Jewellers.