Featuring an international cast of talent, including Ireland's star soprano Celine Byrne, Irish National Opera's new production of 'La bohème' promises a night of opera that's accessible to all.

Taking place from Monday 20 November to Sunday 26 November 2023 for five performances only, this unforgettable story of youth, love and bohemian life in Paris will also feature Sarah Brady, Lithuanian tenor Merūnas Vitulskis and Sergio Alapont at the podium. With it's recognisable music, star talent and a supporting chorus, it's one not to be missed.

"La bohème is a story of youth, idealism, art, poetry and love in the romantic setting of Paris," says INO's Artistic Director Fergus Sheil. "The characters are intoxicated with life and full of optimism. Their carefree existence, however, eventually runs out of road. Love turns to suspicion; passion gives way to jealousy and poverty leads to illness. Each character tries in vain to hold on to a dream that vanishes.

"Puccini’s lush orchestration carries the soaring operatic voices of sopranos Celine Byrne and Sarah Brady as we ride the roller coaster of emotions with Mimì, Musetta and the rest of Irish National Opera’s outstanding cast."

Puccini’s best-loved opera is touching, comic, and romantic and this production will also feature the 62-piece Irish National Opera Orchestra, as well as the Irish National Opera Chorus and vibrant Children’s Chorus to add to the magic of the occasion.

Director Orpha Phelan explains why this is "the greatest opera ever written" and the perfect introduction to opera for those who are unfamiliar.

"Because of Puccini’s starting point: real people. Just like us, they struggle to find their way, they fall in love and they fight for what they hold dear. When we see them, we see ourselves. Like life, this opera veers from laugh-out-loud scenes to moments of utter heartbreak, and is as magical for the first-time operagoer as it is for an aficionado. "

And even its stars are excited to get on stage, with Celine Byrne reprising one of her favourite roles.

"I’m so looking forward to performing the role of Mimì in 'La bohème' with Irish National Opera. It is a dream role for me, having made my debut in 2010 with this role with the Scottish Opera. I have performed Mimì several times since, including the wonderful live-stream concert during the pandemic. I absolutely cannot wait to get to perform this role again and to have that adrenaline from performing this opera for a live audience. I am so grateful to Irish National Opera for this opportunity."

Tickets priced from €35.50 are on sale now. For more details see irishnationalopera.ie and www.bordgáisenergytheatre.ie.