Stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème

Hadleigh Adams (Colline), Ji-Min Park (Rodolfo) and Elena Perroni (Mimì)

Elena Perroni (Mimì) and Ji-Min Park (Rodolfo)

La bohème

Robert Tucker (Alcindoro) and Emma Pearson (Musetta)

By Simon Holden, 01 June 2025

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“Ravella’s direction is refreshingly unsentimental”

Reviewed at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland on 29 May 2025

Puccini, La bohème

New Zealand Opera

Brad Cohen, Conductor

Bruno Ravella, Director

Tiziano Santi, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Auckland Philharmonia

New Zealand Opera Chorus

Ji-Min Park, Rodolfo

Elena Perroni, Mimì

Samuel Dundas, Marcello

Emma Pearson, Musetta

Benson Wilson, Schaunard

Hadleigh Adams, Colline

Robert Tucker, Benoît, Alcindoro

Chris McRae, Parpignol

Opening the doors of memory: a haunting Bluebeard’s Castle in Auckland

Simon Holden, 13th March

In Daisy Evans’ conception, as Judith briefly reconnects with the joy and tragedy of her past, the effect is nothing short of devastating.

****1

Into the labyrinth: opera and community in The Monster in the Maze

Simon Holden, 19th September

Director Anapela Polata’ivao handles her mixed forces of amateurs and professionals with seamless assurance, the crowds’ movements across the stage showing both clarity and intent.

****1

Fine singing but messy staging: Le Comte Ory at New Zealand Opera

Simon Holden, 30th May

Director Simon Phillips takes the opportunity to reshape the setting of Rossini's comic opera to modern-day New Zealand.

***11

Blissful Mansfield Park in Auckland

Simon Holden, 21st April

Dove’s masterful adaptation, combined with an ebullient and characterful rendition by New Zealand Opera, make for a very effective and at times, very moving, afternoon at the opera.

*****

Gluck reimagined: (m)Orpheus in Auckland

Simon Holden, 6th September

Gareth Farr re-orchestrates Gluck in Neil Ieremia's imaginative reinterpretation of the Orpheus myth for New Zealand Opera.

****1

A masterful Così fan tutte in Auckland

Simon Holden, 31st May

Lindy Hume directs a refreshingly uncomplicated new staging for New Zealand Opera, supported by fine musical performances.

****1

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.

Bruno Ravella's stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème