Charting the shifting fortunes of two impoverished couples in 19th-century Paris, Puccini’s La Bohème is widely adored for its beautiful melodies and romantic storyline. This fall, our signature production, directed by Tony Award-winner John Caird, once again evokes the romance of bohemian Paris in all of its gritty glory.

Starring real-life married couple, soprano Amina Edris and tenor Pene Pati as the tragic lovers, this production features a new wave of international, award-winning opera singers. Read on to meet them!

Amina Edris, soprano
Mimì
Previous COC appearance: Violetta in La Traviata, 2022

“In a star-is-born turn, she has made the long and complex role of Cleopatra…sensationally and entirely her own. She brings an agile, distinctive voice with a warm middle register and glittering high notes to the part. Moreover, her personal beauty and dynamic stage personality make her a superb fit in a production built around the glamour of Hollywood. She is Cleopatra, ruler of Egypt and Antony’s heart, imperious, commanding, and sometimes impulsive.” —Classical Voice

Jonelle Sills, soprano
Mimì (October 22)
COC debut

“But the most stunning and evocative moments of the night came from soprano Jonelle Sills… and moved me to tears… the immediacy of Sills’ acting and singing voice was inescapable. Sills’ performance made the night for me.” —Calgary Herald

Pene Pati, tenor
Rodolfo
COC debut

“...the round and sunshine-filled voice of the tenor, its caressing colours, its amber high notes, the beauty of its style. and the perfection of its prosody amazed and seduced. A Roméo was born, long acclaimed by a crowd with admiration and recognition, a moment of glory for Pene Pati…” —Le Monde

Kang Wang, tenor
Rodolfo (October 22 and 28)
COC debut

“This promising lyric tenor has now grown into possessing a most beautiful voice that has been likened to liquid gold. It is a near-perfect instrument that is an absolute joy to listen to, matching a powerful and dramatic stage presence. His vocal technique seems faultless; absolutely rock solid throughout the range with dark lower notes, strength in his middle register, and thrilling top notes.” —Limelight Magazine

Joo Won Kang, baritone
Marcello
COC debut

“Wexford has assembled a superb cast, led by Korean Joo Won Kang’s radiant Corrado. How rare to have a Donizetti baritone role of such meatiness, and how wonderful to have a singer to take full advantage of that – even from top to bottom, and with a lovely sense of line through even the fussiest of passages. His opening “Eglia, ancora non giunge” was a stand-out.” —Artsdesk.com

Charlotte Siegel, soprano
Musetta
Previous COC appearances: Second Apparition and Lady-in-waiting in Macbeth (2023), Second Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute, and Manon in Ian Cusson's Fantasma (2022)

“Another pleasure are the Three Ladies, here conceived of as punk valkyries, played by Jamie Groote, Charlotte Siegel and Lauren Segal. Their precisely synchronized movements and their perfectly blended voices makes one look forward to their every appearance.” —Stage Door

Blaise Malaba, bass
Colline
COC debut

“Malaba is a brilliant singer and also has great stage presence; a notable combination that will stand him well in what I am sure will be future successes.” —Seen and Heard International

Justin Welsh, baritone
Schaunard
Previous COC appearances: Pinellino in the COC’s digital production of Gianni Schicchi (2022), Dancaïre in Carmen (2010), the Herald in Otello (2010), Fiorello in The Barber of Seville (2008)

“Justin Welsh brings a finely drawn vocal technique to the part, his voice beautiful throughout the registers. Dramatically too, Welsh’s role was exceptionally well realized, a major accomplishment as a singing actor.” —Calgary Herald

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See all of these amazing artists in action at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts from October 6.

Tickets are on sale now!