The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’ Wednesday

VAIL VALLEY, Colorado — The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival is thrilled to present a concert version of Puccini’s timeless opera “La Bohème” with The Philadelphia Orchestra Tuesday. Led by conductor Rossen Milanov, this is the third in a series of six concerts with TPO at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The performance starts at 6 p.m.

One of the most beloved operas of all time, Giacomo Puccini’s tale of ill-fated love in 19th century Paris is filled with some of opera’s most beautiful music.

A timeless audience favorite, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s concert version (with minor choral cuts) features a young, talented cast of internationally-renowned artists, including Darina Takova, Arianna Zukerman, Michael Fabiano and Luis Ledesma. Maestro Rossen Milanov, famed for his vibrant style of conducting, will take the podium.

The lovely and tragic plot of La Bohème centers on a community of bohemian artists in Paris, particularly on the romantic relationship of poet Rodolfo and grisette Mimi. Clever musical devices emphasize the libretto, which consists of common language turned poetic. In this opera Puccini rejects the usual elements of operatic melodrama — violence, jealous rage, assassinations, etc. Instead, La Bohème is an intimate view of the intertwined lives of a colorful group of young individuals.

La Bohème is especially interesting to opera-lovers because it was written during Puccini’s “verismo” period. Before he produced melodramatic works like “Tosca” and “Turandot,” Puccini focused on the travails and passions of ordinary people. This musical trend evolved from the realist movement in the visual arts sweeping Paris in the 19th century.

For a complete artist roster, program details and ticketing information, please call 970-827-5700 or visit www.vailmusicfestival.org.