La Boheme

REadmonton has been on a brief hiatus, not because there haven't been amazing artistic happening in this northern city, but because there have been too many. In brief, last week's La Boheme at the Jubilee Auditorium was magical and fervor-laden. As a first-time opera goer, I found my experience lived up to my outlandish preconceptions. Though our seats were bohemian , I was able to make out the decadent set and the delicate intricacies of the costumes, especially Mme Musetta's wardrobe (though most of us were likely enchanted by her elaborate bodice for obvious reasons). Puccini's depiction of the Bohemians of Paris in the 1830s was one of great respect and appreciation for artistic dedication. I found the opera to be one of a political nature where respect was reserved for the pauper and ridicule for the rich. That being said, there wasn't an overpowering sense of agenda, and I found that plot was little to be found in the opera. But, where plot is lacking in La Boheme, it makes up for in artistry and beauty from vocal anomalies, costume, and stage decor. In short, La Boheme was a night out well enjoyed and instigated contempalation over getting season's tickets for next year.

I lamented two things 1) not bringing binoculars to more closely inspect the stage and 2)having parked on the "third" floor of the Jubilee parkade (as this resulted in breathing in exhaust for 40 minutes from 100s of vehicles, of ostensibly cultured folk who don't how to turn off their engines while waiting to exit).

Subsequent entry- Chantal Kreviazuk and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and a single reminicent tear shed for nostalgia's sake.