Listen now to the La bohème podcast

Seattle Opera presents La bohème starring Angel Blue as Mimì. Philip Newton photo

With many people staying at home, now is the perfect time for a new podcast episode. Enjoy La bohème 101, a deep dive into opera’s quintessential love story with Seattle Opera dramaturg Jonathan Dean. Learn about Puccini’s music, the history of the opera, and more, all from the comfort of your home.

“It almost seems unnecessary to introduce this work. La bohème has been one of the world’s most beloved operas since 1896. Its music is both familiar and extremely easy on the ear. And the opera is virtually indestructible. The only time I’ve ever seen Bohème NOT work was before an audience consisting entirely of middle-school students, who really didn’t appreciate all its lovey-dovey, romantic stuff. They’ll figure it out someday.

Top 10 most recognizable opera pieces used in film

You probably know more opera music than you think you do. If you like to watch TV or go to the movies, you’ve undoubtedly heard music from operas used in ways the original composers could never have even imagined. We’ve raided the Seattle Opera archives to put together a playlist featuring some of opera’s greatest hits—tunes you may already know because you’ve heard them in the cinema.

#1: From Apocalypse Now: Ride of the Valkyries (Die Walküre)

Francis Ford Coppola used the “Ride of the Valkyries,” famous music from the second opera of the Ring cycle, not for Wagner’s Norse goddesses of death but for American helicopters dealing out death from above in Vietnam in Apocalypse Now. It made for a brilliant, chilling moment—opera music used not just for emotional effect but as part of a film’s story.

Sung by Wendy Bryn Harmer, Jessica Klein, Suzanne Hendrix, Luretta Bybee, Tamara Mancini, Sarah Heltzel, Renée Tatum, and Cecelia Hall, with the Seattle Opera Orchestra conducted by Asher Fisch.

La Bohème: Trailer

Watch dress rehearsal footage (complete with full orchestra & chorus) showcasing the stirring performances and masterful music that make this traditional production an appealing way to warm your heart this winter.



Learn more about La Bohème on the Seattle Opera Website

La Bohème:Speight's Corner - Meet The Bohemians

General Director Speight Jenkins introduces you to four of the singers who will portray Puccini’s bohemians in our traditional production of this popular favorite.



Learn more about La Bohème on the Seattle Opera Website

Turandot Broadcast Night Q&A with Speight Jenkins

After every performance, General Director Speight Jenkins hosts a free Q&A session in the lecture hall at McCaw Hall. Listen to this live recording as Jenkins candidly answers the audience's questions after the Saturday, August 11, performance of Turandot. This Q&A session was also broadcast live on KING FM and can be found on their 24-hour Seattle Opera Channel.

Turandot - The Hair & Makeup Challenge

Watch time-lapse footage of the Seattle Opera Hair & Makeup Crew as they prepare over 100 "People of Peking" in just 1 hour.



Learn more about Turandot on the Seattle Opera Website

Turandot: Preview

Our new preview video of Turandot dress rehearsal footage (complete with full orchestra & chorus) showcases the stunning pageantry, memorable melodies, and passionate performances of this monumental new-to-Seattle production.



Learn more about Turandot on the Seattle Opera Website

Turandot: Creative Team Chat

In our latest behind-the-scenes video for Turandot, French-Canadian production team Barbe & Doucet discuss the very human story at the heart of this colorful spectacle and explain what opera has in common with haute couture. Includes footage of cast members in rehearsal.



Learn more about Turandot on the Seattle Opera Website

Turandot: Music with Maestro

Maestro Asher Fisch demonstrates how the music of Turandot expanded the European classical tradition. Discover how Puccini used exotic Chinese and Persian scales to infuse Turandot with color, drama, and excitement; while remaining true to western harmonies to convey its heartfelt emotion. Includes rehearsal footage of the Seattle Opera Chorus and Childrens’ Chorus.



Learn more about Turandot on the Seattle Opera Website

Turandot - Speight’s Corner with Dr. David Brunelle

Sit in on a conversation between General Director Speight Jenkins and opera enthusiast Dr. David Brunelle about Puccini’s final masterpiece. Topics include correct pronunciation of the title, who is the real heroine of the piece, and what makes “Nessun Dorma” the most popular aria in the world today.



Learn more about Turandot on the Seattle Opera Website

Madama Butterfly: Speight's Corner with Patricia Racette

In our latest behind-the-scenes video, General Director Speight Jenkins sits down with soprano Patricia Racette to discuss her abiding love of Puccini and the universal appeal of the iconic title character. Includes footage of singers in rehearsal.



Learn more about Madama Butterfly on the Seattle Opera Website