La Boheme, a new production by Opera Queensland, scored approval generally at Brisbane Festival. With Umberto Clerici conducting the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and two Italians singing the leads and with excellent soloists all round this take on Puccini's much-loved opera made passion a high priority. 

Soprano Nina Korbe was superb as Musetta, every bit the coquettish diva, conquering the stage and singing Quando Me’n Vo in Act 1 with star quality.

Italian maestro Umberto Clerici fired Puccini’s score with scorching aplomb. Musically, the production flashed superior credentials in the exquisite performances of the hit arias in Act 1 – Rudolfo’s Che Gelida Manina, Mimi’s Mi Chiamano Mimi and the show-stopping love duet, O Soave Fanciulla.

Mimi, gloriously sung by Elena Perroni, and the obsessive, love-struck Rudolfo touchingly incarnated by tenor Valerio Borgioni, brought an authentic sensibility to their performances as Italians.

Read more about La Boheme at Brisbane Festival performance in the linked article for InDaily Queensland.