PROGETTO PUCCINI: La Bohème in CDO

PRESENTED BY:

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with Viva Voce Voice Lab, and Liceo de Cagayan University

DATE / TIME / VENUE:

May 22, 2025 | 3:00 PM

CCP @ the Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University

Rodolfo N. Pelaez Blvd., Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental

DESCRIPTION:

In October 2024, Viva Voce Voice Lab took center stage in PROGETTO PUCCINI, a four-day opera workshop led by world-renowned Italian tenor FABIO ARMILIATO. The workshop culminated in a public performance of La Bohème at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, offered free of charge as part of our commitment to opera education. Audiences included students from all major conservatories of music, as well as high school students from various public and private schools in Metro Manila.

We are now moving into Phase 2: The La Bohème Outreach Project, a nationwide initiative made possible through the collaboration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Office of the President, in partnership with local government units and educational institutions across the country.

From the outset, Cagayan de Oro City and Liceo de Cagayan University were among our top priority destinations, recognizing Liceo’s esteemed role as a major center for music education and cultural development in the southern Philippines.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets are free for all. The Culture and Arts Office of Liceo de Cagayan University shall send invites to different schools for their students to watch the show.

SYNOPSIS:

LA BOHЀME by Giacomo Puccini

An Abridged Version

Act I Paris, in the early 19th century. In a garret in the Latin Quarter, the poet Rodolfo and the painter Marcello struggle to stay warm, burning Rodolfo’s manuscript for heat. Their friends Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, join them, bringing modest provisions. They decide to celebrate Christmas Eve at the Café Momus. Rodolfo remains behind to finish some writing and is interrupted by

Mimì, a frail seamstress, who asks for help relighting her candle. She faints from exhaustion, and Rodolfo revives her with wine. As they search in the dark for her lost key, they share their dreams and hopes. Rodolfo sings of his life as a poor poet; Mimì describes her simple joys and solitary existence. They fall in love almost instantly. Hearing his friends calling, Rodolfo takes Mimì’s arm and leads her out into the lively Paris streets.

Act II At the bustling Café Momus, Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his companions. They order a festive meal amid the crowds celebrating Christmas Eve. Musetta, Marcello’s former lover, arrives flamboyantly with Alcindoro, a wealthy, elderly admirer. To rekindle Marcello’s affection, Musetta sings a coquettish waltz, drawing the attention of the entire café. She pretends to injure her foot and sends Alcindoro away to buy new shoes. Left alone, Musetta and Marcello reconcile passionately. The friends seize the moment to slip away without paying, leaving the unsuspecting Alcindoro to face the bill. They disappear into the colorful life of the Latin Quarter, full of laughter and song.

Act III On a cold February morning at the city gates, Mimì comes searching for Marcello. She reveals that jealousy and constant arguments have poisoned her relationship with Rodolfo. Marcello advises that they separate for their own peace. Rodolfo, meanwhile, confesses to Marcello that Mimì is gravely ill, and their poverty prevents her from recovering. Overhearing this, Mimì is heartbroken. When Rodolfo and Mimì confront each other, they realize they still love one another deeply but agree to part ways in the spring. As Rodolfo and Mimì share a tender farewell, Marcello and Musetta have a fierce quarrel and end their relationship. The cruel winter mirrors the sadness of their broken hearts.

Act IV Back in the garret, Rodolfo and Marcello pretend to work but are preoccupied with memories of Mimì and Musetta. Colline and Schaunard arrive with a paltry meal, and the friends attempt to lift their spirits with songs and mock duels. Their revelry is interrupted when Musetta rushes in with news that Mimì, gravely ill, is downstairs. Rodolfo and the others carry her into the room and lay her on the bed. Musetta and Colline sell their few possessions to buy medicine and comforts. Left alone, Rodolfo and Mimì recall the happiness they once shared. As her friends return, Mimì peacefully slips away. Rodolfo, realizing her death only after a moment of silence, is devastated, calling her name in anguish.