Puccini’s opera, La bohème, is often regarded as one of the most beloved operas of all time. Following Lyric Opera’s production this September, it will be the most-performed opera in our company’s history, marking the work’s thirteenth production. Still, with every production, we welcome first-timers into the fold to experience what Paul Horsely calls, “a cradle-to-the-grave kind of opera.” Whether it’s your first time seeing La bohème or you’re just in need of a refresher, check out these musical highlights to get ready for the show.
Act I
Act I offers a lively look into the lives of the bohemian protagonists, taking place in their shabby Paris apartment. The act culminates with the first meeting of Rodolfo and Mimì, featuring some of the opera world’s most beloved music.
“Che gelida manina” (“What a cold little hand”): Rodolfo’s Act I Aria
“Si, michaimano Mimì” (“Yes, they call me Mimì”): Mimì’s Act I Aria
“Che gelida manina,” and “Si, michiamano Mimì,” from La bohème; tenor Luciano Pavarotti as Rodolfo, soprano Fiamma Izzo d’Amico as Mimì
In these back-to-back arias, Rodolfo and Mimì introduce themselves. Rodolfo poetically tells her a bit about his life as a bohemian poet, expressing that in spite of his poverty, his life is rich in passion and art. Mimì coquettishly follows, describing her simple and solitary life as a seamstress, and her love of flowers, springtime, and the promise of the rising sun.
“O soave fanciulla” (“O gentile maiden”): Rodolfo and Mimì’s Act I Duet
“O soave fanciulla,” (also known as the “Love Duet”) from La bohème; tenor Luciano Pavarotti as Rodolfo, soprano Fiamma Izzo d’Amico as Mimì
Immediately following the “getting to know you” arias, Rodolfo’s friends call him down to join them in going to Café Momus. In their last few moments alone, Rodolfo and Mimì fervently accept their love at first sight in this climactic duet before leaving together to join the rest of the bohemians for the evening’s festivities.
Act II
After a lively walk through the streets of Paris, the group arrives at Café Momus.
“Quando m’en vo” (“When I go along”): Musetta’s Act II Aria
“Quando m’en vo,” (also known as “Musetta’s Waltz”) from La bohème; soprano Madelyn Renee as Musetta
In this familiar aria, we meet the character Musetta for the first time as she is escorted to Café Momus by her current benefactor, Alcindoro. Wanting to make her ex-boyfriend Marcello jealous, she sings a song, boisterously reveling in the constant praise and affection she receives because of her beauty. Before the evening is over, the two make up and she leaves the café with Marcello and the other bohemians, leaving Alcinodro to pick up everyone’s tab.
Act III
The third act takes a turn away from love and revelry, as the characters face struggles of real life a number of months later.
“Donde lieta uscì” (“From where she joyfully came”): Mimì’s Act III Aria
“Donde lieta uscì,” from La bohème; soprano Angela Gheorghiu as Mimì
In this aria, Mimì says goodbye to Rodolfo after learning that he wants to separate with her because her illness is getting worse in their poverty.
“Dunque è proprio finite?” (“So it’s really over?”): Mimì, Rodolfo, Musetta, and Marcello’s Act III Quartet
“Dunque è proprio finita?” from La bohème; tenor José Carreras as Rodolfo, soprano Teresa Stratas as Mimì, soprano Renata Scotto as Musetta, baritone Richard Stilwell as Marcello
In this quartet, the future of both of the couples are decided. Mimì and Rodolfo recall happy memories of their time together before ultimately deciding to stay together until the springtime. Meanwhile, Marcello and Musetta hurl insults at one another before ultimately deciding to split up.
Act IV
A few months later, both single once more, Rodolfo and Marcello reflect on their loneliness before Colline and Schaunard join them. Eventually, Musetta bursts in to let them know that Mimì illness has progressed, and she’s collapsed in the street on her way to see Rodolfo one last time.
“Sono andati?” (“Are they gone?”): Mimì and Rodolfo’s Act IV Duet
“Sono andati?” from La bohème; soprano Federica Lombardi as Mimì, Matthew Polenzani as Rodolfo
After bringing Mimì inside, the rest of the group goes out to find medicine, leaving Mimì and Rodolfo alone in the apartment to share in their fleeting last moments together.
Keep listening
Check out the rest of the music on our Spotify playlist, and be sure to experience the music and drama in person at La bohème, September 19, 25, and 27, 2026, at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts!
Sponsors
The 2026–2027 season is sponsored by the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts; the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation; the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Foundation; and R.C. Kemper Charitable Trust and Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee; with public support from Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. La bohème is supported, in part, by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund and the Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund.
Featured image © Don Ipock
