Grand Rapids, MI – Opera Grand Rapids (OGR) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Maestro Marcelo Lehninger as the guest conductor for its upcoming production of Giacomo Puccini’s timeless classic, La Bohème. The performances are scheduled to take place on April 19 and 20, 2024, at DeVos Performance Hall.
“We are delighted to have Maestro Lehninger with us for our long-awaited grand opera this season,” said Emilee Syrewicze, Executive Director of Opera Grand Rapids. “He is a wonderful conductor and makes our collaboration with the GRS even more meaningful. Together, we aim to bring the magic of La Bohème to life in a way that resonates deeply with our audiences.”
La Bohème tells the poignant story of love, friendship and loss among a group of bohemian artists in 19th-century Paris. With its lush melodies, stirring emotions and timeless themes, this opera continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
“We are so excited to continue our collaboration with Opera Grand Rapids,” said Keith Elder, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Symphony. “The Grand Rapids Symphony and the Opera have played together for many years, and this production of La Bohème is another opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for our shared audiences alongside Grand Rapids Symphony’s Daniel & Pamella DeVos Music Director, Marcelo Lehninger.”
Brazilian-born Lehninger joined GRS in 2016. While he has led some of the leading orchestras across the country as a guest conductor, this engagement marks his directorial debut with Opera Grand Rapids.
“La Bohème is my favorite opera, I have a very emotional connection to it – my parents chose my name because of this opera!” Said Lehninger. “When Opera Grand Rapids approached me to conduct La Bohème, my heart was filled with happiness. This production energizes the wonderful collaboration that the Opera and Symphony have enjoyed for so many years.”
The two performances will take place at DeVos Performance Hall, located at 303 Monroe Ave NW, on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. With an estimated run time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, the performance will include one intermission and will be sung in Italian with projected English subtitles.
The Friday performance coincides with OGR’s annual gala, Night with the Opera, and will be flanked by two celebratory opportunities, promising a night to remember!
- Sunset Gala 4:30 p.m.
La Belle Epoque: The Beautiful Age, aka, The Golden Age
Includes pre-show dinner - Midnight Gala 10:30 p.m.
La Vie a Minuit: Life at Midnight
Includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast
Opera Grand Rapids is a long-standing, integral part of the city’s artistic fabric; funds raised at this event will directly support the opera company’s mission-based work. Learn more here: https://www.operagr.org/events/
Tickets for La Bohéme are available for purchase online through the Opera Grand Rapids website or at the DeVos Performance Hall box office. Ticket prices start at $20, with student tickets available for just $5 with valid student ID. For more information, visit: https://www.operagr.org/la-boheme/.
