Young Talent Takes on ‘La Bohème’ at Shangyin Opera House
By Rudolph TangPuccini’s “La Bohème” captures the joys and sorrows of young artists, following the love stories of two bohemian couples. In an inspired move, the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Shangyin Opera House will present a production featuring performers close in age to the characters they portray.
On April 17–18, 2025, the Shangyin Opera House—an experimental theatre affiliated with the Conservatory—will stage “La Bohème” in a reimagined production originally by the China National Opera. The production is directed by Li Wei, known for his engaging, budget-conscious interpretations of operetta and opéra comique.
Making his pit debut is Jin Yukuang. A fast-rising startup and chief conductor of the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra, Jin led the Camerata Novus-Classica of which he is the founding music director. On stage, the chorus was formed by students of the Conservatory. Of the 106 performers and technical staff involved, about 90 were students.
The production is overseen by Guan Jun, a vocal coach and opera producer who teaches in SCM’s Composition and Conducting Department. She also served as casting director.
Taking the leading roles are two of the most sought-after Chinese singers with international careers. Tenor Xiahou Jinxu, formerly a soloist at the Vienna State Opera and a favourite of intendant Dominique Meyer, sings Rodolfo—a role he has previously performed in Baltic Opera in Gdańsk, Mannheim National Theater, and Vienna State Opera. This marks his first appearance in “La Bohème” in China.
He is joined by soprano Yu Guanqun as Mimì, fresh from her appearance as Gilda in a semi-staged “Rigoletto” with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in March. Yu has previously performed Mimì at the Bavarian State Opera and Zurich Opera. Both Xiahou and Yu make their house debuts in this production.
The supporting roles are performed by SCM students. Doctoral candidate Luo Yudan portrays Musetta, while baritone Hu Sihao plays Marcello. At 6 feet 4 inches, the 31-year-old Hu made a striking impression on stage. His magnetic stage presence and gorgeous voice has earned him widespread acclaim, foreshadowing a promising international trajectory. He is set to join the Ryan Opera Center Young Artist Program at the Lyric Opera of Chicago starting May 2025.
The performances are produced by the Composition and Conducting Department of SCM. Guan Jun expressed hope that the students involved in all aspects of the production would benefit from the experience: “This is a rare opportunity for them to learn things that aren’t taught in the classroom.”
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