UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- On March 28 and 29, local audiences will be treated to performances of Puccini’s opera "La Bohème" on the Eisenhower Auditorium stage. While that stage frequently hosts national touring groups, concerts, speakers and more, this production of "La Bohème" is a special collaboration involving the School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture, and the Center for the Performing Arts.
With sets from Pittsburgh Opera, the production features School of Music students and alumni as principal singers plus the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerardo Edelstein. The production will also include a chorus of students and community members and children from the Nittany Valley Children’s Choir.
“We are excited at the Center for the Performing Arts to partner with the School of Music to produce and present grand opera on the Eisenhower Auditorium stage,” said George Trudeau, director of the Center for the Performing Arts. “By combining our forces we are creating opportunities for talented students, alumni and community members to present one of the most beloved operas of all time, an experience that is a thrill for performers and audiences alike.”
Another partner in the production is the Pittsburgh Opera, which is renting its sets to Penn State. Ted Christopher, artistic director of Penn State Opera Theatre, facilitated the partnership by reaching out to colleague and Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn, who was happy to work with the University. “The opportunity for our students and members of our community to perform in a fully-produced production of 'La Bohème' does not often present itself. This partnership with Pittsburgh Opera makes it possible and I am grateful to Christopher for being open and accommodating. I hope that we can work together in the future,” said Christopher.