Puccini’s La Bohème returns to the Vienna State Opera for three performances in December 2026, in Franco Zeffirelli’s celebrated production. Set among young artists in 19th-century Paris, the opera combines an intimate love story with some of Puccini’s most memorable music.
With its atmospheric Parisian settings, large ensemble scenes and deeply personal final act, Zeffirelli’s production has been part of the Vienna State Opera repertoire for more than half a century.
Performance details
- Venue: Vienna State Opera
- Language: Italian
- Subtitles: English, German and other languages available at the seats
- Duration: Approx. 2h 45min, with 1 intermission
Ticket information
- E-tickets: Sent by email as PDF files
- Seating: Seats are together unless otherwise stated
Puccini’s Parisian love story in a classic Vienna production
Few operas move as effortlessly between exuberance and intimacy as La Bohème.
In a cold attic above Paris, the poet Rodolfo meets his neighbour Mimì when she comes looking for a light for her candle. Their encounter develops into one of opera’s most famous love stories, unfolding alongside the lively friendship of Marcello, Musetta, Schaunard and Colline.
Puccini moves from the quiet first meeting of Rodolfo and Mimì to the crowded Café Momus, from winter streets to the simplicity of the final scene. Arias including “Che gelida manina,” “Mi chiamano Mimì” and Musetta’s waltz have made La Bohème one of the most enduring works in the operatic repertoire.
At the Vienna State Opera, the opera is presented in Franco Zeffirelli’s historic staging, first seen at the house in 1963. Its detailed sets evoke both the artists’ modest attic and the bustle of Parisian street life, allowing Puccini’s story to unfold in a recognisably traditional setting.
- Conductor: Domingo Hindoyan
- Rodolfo: Kang Wang
- Mimì: Rachel Willis-Sørensen
- Marcello: Leonardo Neiva
- Musetta: Maria Nazarova
- Schaunard: Jusung Gabriel Park
- Colline: Matheus França
- Production and stage design: Franco Zeffirelli
- Costumes: Marcel Escoffier
Cast may vary by performance date.
La Bohème at the Vienna State Opera in December 2026
The Vienna State Opera presents three performances of La Bohème in the 2026–27 season, on 6, 8 and 13 December 2026.
Its combination of Puccini’s familiar score, Zeffirelli’s traditional staging and a December setting makes La Bohème particularly well suited to a winter visit to Vienna.
More opera in Vienna
Discover more performances at the Vienna State Opera and other major opera productions during the 2026–27 Vienna season.
- Vienna State Opera
- Opera in Vienna
- Tosca at the Vienna State Opera
- Madama Butterfly at the Vienna State Opera
