“How ice-cold is this little hand” – a hand held by the poet Rodolfo in the darkness of his artists’ commune! The ice-cold hand belongs to the seamstress Mimì – with whom he proceeds to throw himself into the Christmas season in Paris. Only a few months later, though, she finds living with Rodolfo torturous. It is not jealousy, however, which explains Rodolfo’s behaviour: he knows that Mimì will not last the year. "La Bohème" was based on Henri Murger’s extremely successful novel "Les scènes de la vie de bohème", which had entranced Puccini when he first read it. His wish to set the tale to music was so strong that he even risked ruining his friendship with Ruggero Leoncavallo, who was also working on a opera version of it. Today, the opera premiered in 1896 is considered one of the most popular stage works of all times – thanks to an overabundance of melodies and Puccini’s genius for character portraits.

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La Bohème

Staatsoper Hamburg

Carmen charms everyone with her dancing and singing - only one of them turns her down: Don José. He, of all people, is supposed to arrest her after an argument in the factory. But José is also caught - he can't help it, lets her flee and is demoted and dismissed for it. Finally, the much-awaited appearance of the Toréador: he sings his furious march-like melody and flirts with Carmen. But she rejects him - she is waiting for Don José ... An opera full of musical highlights and dramatic love stories.

Carmen

A coming-of-age story, recurring conflicts with parents, and first love, Manon is a young girl full of hopes, dreams, and an irrepressible desire for life. Manon is to enter a convent and sees her desire for a free, self-determined life fading. However, she falls head over heels in love and flees to Paris, the city of love and opportunity.

Manon

California in 1850: hundreds of thousands have fallen for the gold rush – and some of them also for the barkeeper Minnie, at whose saloon various fortune seekers meet every evening. Among them is Sheriff Jack Rance. Minnie, however, falls in love with the stranger Dick Johnson. It soon turns out that Johnson is a wanted robber: the sheriff wants to see him hang and have Minnie to himself. A round of poker is to decide about Dick’s life: is there yet another trump up Minnie’s sleeve?

La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the West)

In his “Parsifal”, Wagner created a complex world of its own. It is complex because it consists of so many heterogeneous elements whose meaning is hard to comprehend, frequently drawing us onto paths leading nowhere. Thus, the many religious signs, symbols and rituals can only be understood as partial elements pointing to a world which must be interpreted as a whole. Elements of Christianity, such as the last supper, the goblet, blood, the spear and dove, or Schopenhauer’s idea that compassion might release man from his egocentricity, as well as Gnostic and Manichean motifs lead to partial interpretative approaches which are unsuitable for “Parsifal” as a whole. A theatrical world, however, can design a fictional cosmos in which all these elements can effectively participate, leaving the audience to interpret its own experiences as it sees fit.

Parsifal

Immerse yourself in the vibrant musical culture bridging Seoul and Los Angeles at the "Seoul Festival with the LA Phil: Night 2" at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. Scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM, this exceptional evening promises an exploration of innovative Korean compositions and performances that are shaping the global music scene.

Curated by the acclaimed composer Unsuk Chin, the night features a lineup that celebrates the rich tapestry of Korean musical talent. The program kicks off with a world premiere of a new work for orchestra by Whan Ri-Ahn, commissioned by the LA Phil, followed by the West Coast premiere of Unsuk Chin’s Clarinet Concerto, a piece heralded by the Financial Times as a "musical, out-of-body experience." The concert reaches its climax with Brahms’ Double Concerto, a masterpiece of musical dialogue performed by two rising South Korean stars, violinist Inmo Yang and cellist Jaemin Han. These young performers, celebrated for their international competition successes, bring their exceptional talents to a piece known for its emotional depth and complexity.

Under the baton of Herbert von Karajan Award-winning conductor Hankyeol Yoon, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will accompany these remarkable soloists, showcasing the dynamic and evolving landscape of Korean classical music. This event not only highlights the achievements of Korean composers and artists but also fosters a deeper cultural connection between Seoul and Los Angeles.

Join us for a night of groundbreaking performances that promise to enchant and inspire. Be part of a musical journey that transcends borders and celebrates the universal language of music.

Han Kim

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 28 - Feb 6, 2025

Manon · Staatsoper Hamburg

Mar 21 - Apr 4, 2025

La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the West) · Staatsoper Hamburg

Apr 18 - May 4, 2025

Parsifal · Staatsoper Hamburg

7 - 8 Jun, 2025

Seoul Festival with the LA Phil: Night 2 · Los Angeles Philharmonic

Past events

1 - 17 Dec, 2024

La Bohème · Staatsoper Hamburg

Sep 24 - Oct 10, 2024

Carmen · Staatsoper Hamburg

Future and recently performed repertoire

Ashby in La Fanciulla del West by Puccini

Staatsoper Hamburg

Hills in La bohème by Puccini

Staatsoper Hamburg

The innkeeper in Manon by Massenet

Staatsoper Hamburg

Zuniga in Carmen by Bizet

Staatsoper Hamburg

Titurel in Parsifal by Wagner

Staatsoper Hamburg

About

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