One of the worldsa国际传媒檚 most frequently-perfomed operas is coming to Kelowna and itsa国际传媒檚 set in the dark of winter.

Opera Kelowna presents Giacomo Puccinisa国际传媒檚 La 产辞丑猫尘别, Aug. 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

The romantic, heart-wrenching tale follows a close-knit circle of poets, painters and performers who struggle for art and love amidst poverty and hardship.

Though La 产辞丑猫尘别 was originally set in the 1830s, the companysa国际传媒檚 production draws on the fashion and style of the 1920s to craft a unique and compelling aesthetic.

sa国际传媒淭he cultural impact of La 产辞丑猫尘别 is undeniable. Its story inspired the broadway hit Rent; its music resonates across dozens of films and it birthed our romantic vision of the starving artist,sa国际传媒� said artistic director Alexandra Babbel.

sa国际传媒淎ll of this is for good reason. Puccinisa国际传媒檚 exquisite score speaks to our very hearts, eliciting fiery passion, pangs of melancholy, and joie de vivre in equal measure. We are thrilled to share our vision of this iconic work with Okanagan audiences.sa国际传媒�

Based on Henri Murgersa国际传媒檚 1851 novel, Scenes from the Bohemian Life, the opera is set in the frigid cold of a Paris winter. Its narrative follows the intertwined lives and loves of a small group of friends: the poet, Rodolfo, the seamstress Mimi, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, the philosopher Colline, and the coquette Musetta.

A series of free concerts and community engagements will support and inform La 产辞丑猫尘别sa国际传媒檚 run. Details can be found on Opera Kelownasa国际传媒檚 .