San Diego Opera’s 50th

San Diego Opera’s 50th

Opera in San Diego is thriving. As proof, the newly reinvented San Diego Opera is mounting a full production of Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. It is divinely fitting that the kickoff production, featuring Harold Meers as Rudolfo and Alyson Cambridge as Mimi, brings SDO full circle. It debuted in May, 1965 with a gorgeous La Boheme. That original production was performed in the new San Diego Civic Theatre, designed by the noted architect Lloyd Ruocco, and a source of great community pride. The opening was a glamorous one, preceded by an elegant dinner, fanfare, and speeches. But, it was the opera that mattered.

La Boheme was repeated many times over the years, especially noteworthy when Luciano Pavarotti sang the role of Rudolfo in 1980. Now, 50 years later, SDO reclaims its birth and mounts La Boheme once again in the Civic Theatre with a lustrous cast and a bright future. Performance dates are January 24, 27, 29, and February 1. (619.533.7000, www.sdopera.com)   DARLENE G. DAVIES