Parnassus Society: La Bohème

This Performance is Presented by Parnassus Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing classical music, opera and art to Southern California.

Parnassus Society proudly presents Puccini’s La Bohème, one of the most beloved operas ever written. Set amid the artists’ quarters of Paris, this timeless masterpiece follows a circle of young friends whose dreams, romances, laughter, and heartbreak unfold through some of the most beautiful music ever written. At its center is the poignant love story of the poet Rodolfo and the seamstress Mimì, a tale that continues to captivate audiences around the world with its beauty and emotional truth.

Featuring an internationally acclaimed cast and Puccini’s unforgettable score, this semi-staged production promises an afternoon of soaring melodies and deeply moving storytelling in the superb acoustics of the Soka Performing Arts Center.

Parnassus Society’s production of La Bohème brings together an exceptional cast of established stars and rising talents, joined by the Parnassus Virtuosi Orchestra. Tenor Bruce Sledge returns as Rodolfo, bringing the artistry and impressive technique that have made him a longtime Parnassus favorite. Dramatic soprano Karen Chia-Ling Ho returns after her beloved portrayal of Cio-Cio-San in Parnassus’ Madama Butterfly and was recently named San Francisco Opera’s 2025 Emerging Star. Baritone Efraín Solís appears as Marcello following his recent Metropolitan Opera debut, while soprano Alissa Goretzky takes on Musetta after winning First Prize in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Baritone Leland Alexander returns after memorable performances in Alegrías! and as Oreste in Iphigénie en Tauride at Opera UCLA. Italian bass-baritone Mattia Venni returns following Parnassus’ La Fille du Régiment and Tosca; his career on a fast rise following a recent Santa Fe Opera award and his upcoming Glyndebourne Festival debut. Orange County favorite David Stoneman appears as Benoît and Alcindoro, and tenor Kevin Corrigan joins the cast as Parpignol. Also featured is the OCSA Puccini Chorus from the Orange County School of the Arts Classical Voice Conservatory, showcasing some of Southern California’s most promising young vocal talents.

The production is conducted by Kelly Kuo, internationally recognized for his dynamic leadership on both the operatic and symphonic stage and currently Music Director of the Oregon Mozart Players and Reno Chamber Orchestra. Stage direction is by Sara Widzer, whose work has been seen with Los Angeles Opera and leading companies throughout the United States and abroad. Widzer is recognized for her compelling storytelling and emotionally resonant productions.