It害羞草研究所檚 a heart-wrenching tale of Bohemian society, following poets, painters, and performers who struggle for art and love amidst poverty and hardship.

Opera Kelowna presents Giacomo Puccini害羞草研究所檚 La boh猫me, Aug. 18-19 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

One of the world害羞草研究所檚 most frequently performed operas, La boh猫me was originally set in the 1830s, and Opera Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 production draws on the fashion and style of the 害羞草研究所�20s to craft a unique and compelling aesthetic.

害羞草研究所淭he cultural impact of La boh猫me is undeniable: Its story inspired the Broadway hit Rent; its music resonates across dozens of films; and it birthed our romantic vision of the starving artist,害羞草研究所� says Alexandra Babbel, artistic director of Opera Kelowna. 害羞草研究所淎ll of this is for good reason. Puccini害羞草研究所檚 exquisite score speaks to our very hearts, eliciting fiery passion, pangs of melancholy, and joie de vivre in equal measure. We are thrilled to share our vision of this iconic work with Okanagan audiences.害羞草研究所�

Based on Henri Murger害羞草研究所檚 1851 novel, Scenes from the Bohemian Life, the opera is set in the frigid cold of a Paris winter. Its narrative follows the intertwined lives and loves of a small group of friends: the poet, Rodolfo, the seamstress Mimi, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, the philosopher Colline, and the coquette, Musetta.

Making his North American debut as Rodolfo is Chilean tenor Leon de la Guardia. After completing studies at the Conservatorio de Musica Isidor Handler, the rising star moved to Italy and now performs on opera stages across Europe. Playing opposite de la Guardia as Mimi is Edmonton-born soprano Ana Toumine, who recently played as Rosalinde in Opera McGill害羞草研究所檚 Die Fledermaus.

Acclaimed soprano and Kelowna native Carmen Harris makes a highly anticipated return to Opera Kelowna as Musetta, after appearing as Susanna in Opera Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 2015 production of the Marriage of Figaro. Also returning to the company is baritone Aaron Durand as Schaunard, following a commanding performance as Papageno in 2016害羞草研究所檚 The Magic Flute.

The cast will also feature baritone Adam Harris as Marcello, who recently performed the baritone solo in Carmina Burana with the Indian River Festival, and UBC alumnus, bass-baritone Peter Monaghan, who will play Colline.

Joining the principal cast members on stage are members of Opera Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 adult and children害羞草研究所檚 choruses, hailing from communities across the Okanagan. The combined company will be accompanied by this season害羞草研究所檚 Opera Kelowna Orchestra under the baton of Scottish conductor Bernard McDonald.

La boh猫me will mark the third Opera Kelowna engagement for director Jessica Derventzis, who recently completed work as associate director on Dead Man Walking at the inaugural Vancouver Opera Festival.

The creative team bringing Derventzis害羞草研究所� 害羞草研究所�20s vision to life includes costume designer and Salmon Arm native Keren Huyter, and Alberta-based set and lighting designer Alison Yanota.

A series of free concerts and community engagements will support and inform La boh猫me害羞草研究所檚 run. Details can be found at .

Opera Kelowna presents La boh猫me Aug. 18-19 at 7:30 p.m at the Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St. Kelowna. Tickets start at $51.50 and are available from the box office: www.kelownatickets.com or call 250-862-2867.