State Opera South Australia invites audiences to immerse themselves in the greatest love story ever told at a one-night-only outdoor opera spectacular set on Glenelg Beach on Saturday 26 March 2022.
Bohème on the Beach brings Puccini’s epic love story about a group of friends and their highs, lows, loves and losses, to vivid life under the stars, with Australia’s best opera voices and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
After the critical and popular success of the company’s Carmen in the Square in 2019 and a COVID-cancelled Carmina Burana in 2020, State Opera is back in the business of outdoor spectaculars, but this time, their stage is Adelaide’s most famous beachscape.
State Opera Artistic Director, Stuart Maunder AM directs a magnificent all-Australian cast led by rising star soprano Cathy-Di Zhang as the fated young lover Mimi and Rosario La Spina as Rodolfo.
Desiree Frahn is Musetta, the sexy songstress and romantic interest of Marcello (Samuel Dundas), and their bohemian friends Jeremy Tatchell, Pelham Andrews and Douglas McNicol.
They are joined by the State Opera Ensemble and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Simon Bruckard, who conducts one of opera’s most lush, romantic scores.
Maunder said that transporting Paris, the city of love, to the iconic sandy shores of Glenelg, would be where we meet the young dreamers Mimi and Rudolfo.
“They fall dazzlingly in love, blind to any possibility that there could be a less than happy ending to their story,” he said. “La bohème has everything you can ask for in an opera.”
“High voltage romance and the kind of young love that storytelling was built for; some of the greatest music ever composed – all sweeping romantic lines and delicious melodies, and a weepy ending that will have you reaching for your Kleenex.”
“All wrapped up in a tight two hours. Pair that with an Instagram-worthy setting and the end of an Adelaide summer, and you have an unforgettable experience,” said Maunder.
City of Holdfast Bay Mayor, Amanda Wilson was thrilled to welcome State Opera to their shores. “Glenelg is a great tourism destination, but is now fast becoming a destination for the arts industry – and we welcome them with open arms,” said the Mayor.
“We’ve already successfully hosted several major beach concerts and Festivals, and to now welcome the State Opera to our shores is a major coup. Watching a world-famous opera, with the sounds of the waves lapping on the shore, is set to be an experience like no other,” said Mayor Wilson.
If you are looking for a relaxed night sitting on the sand, a full range of corporate and hospitality packages are also on offer. These packages will provide a deluxe experience for attendees to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the setting sun with the finest music, food and company.
Bohème on the Beach takes place on Saturday 26 March 2022 on Glenelg Beach. Tickets now on sale. For more information, visit: www.stateopera.com.au for details.
Image: Desiree Frahn on Glenelg Beach – photo by Soda Street Productions