UPDATED: Feb. 5, 2016 at 3:53 p.m.

Forty soaring voices came to an abrupt halt as conductor Christian Capocaccia jumped from his seat, flailing his arms. He threw up his hands before the company of singers.

As Capocaccia accentuated the distinct importance of every note in each lyric, it became clear that the Syracuse Opera did not skip a beat in preparing for its production of “La Bohème.”

The opera company will bring a unique glance at bohemian romanticism to the Oncenter Friday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.

Set in 19th century France, Puccini’s emotionally introspective opera analyzes the human experience and interaction, as well as the startling impact of everyday actions.

Maria Whitcomb, a senior vocal performance major in the Setnor School of Music, is one of two Syracuse students involved in “La Bohème.” The show features vendors, flirting shoppers, prostitutes and artists abundant in the production.

“La Bohème is all about the life of bohemian, starving artists,” Whitcomb said. “It’s a giant overarching love story.”

The story unravels in four acts as love is found and lost again by the leading characters, Whitcomb said. She explained that the plot travels back and forth from a wide look at Parisian life to an intimate study on individual couples.

With rapid-fire text and a challenging musical score, Whitcomb needed every bit of private vocal training she received for the last seven years. But despite the fast-paced music sung entirely in Italian, audiences will have no trouble understanding the show, Whitcomb said.

“When you just listen to how gorgeous the music is, there’s no getting around it,” Whitcomb said.

Heidi Synn, a junior vocal performance major, said audiences will fall in love with the show.

“Once you sit down and watch Act 1 … there’s no going back,” Synn said.

Synn and Whitcomb are both members of the chorus and have been preparing strenuously since December, traveling back and forth to Syracuse each week during Winter Break.

Even though Synn has a tiny role, she said it has tremendously impacted her life.

“Getting used to the stage and the people around you is the most amazing experience you could ever have, or at least for a singer,” Synn said.

With members from the Syracuse Children’s Choir, locals familiar to the Syracuse Opera and professionals from the Metropolitan Opera, the cast has just under 50 performers.

“La Bohème” calls for as many as 150 chorus members in certain venues, Synn explained, but Syracuse Opera’s powerful sound fills the Oncenter without trouble. She gushed about the talent amongst her co-performers, describing every one of them as amazing.

The wide variety of performers this year is a result of Syracuse Opera’s new management, Whitcomb said.

Ben Spierman, the the stage director for “La Bohème,” said audiences of all ages can enjoy “La Bohème,” and he guaranteed viewers will laugh, cry and enjoy the opera more than its New York City-based counterpart, “Rent.”

Even Symphoria, Syracuse Opera’s orchestral partner, is undergoing artistic transformation. Symphoria’s new slogan is ‘taking on a whole new tone.’

Kathleen Stakenas, stage manager for the show, said a lot of people have come together to put on this show, combining their skills and expertise to create a well-rounded final product.

Said Stakenas: “It is always exciting when the elements come together during tech and performances from the various departments.”

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this article, Ben Spierman’s position was misstated. He is the stage director for “La Bohème.” The Daily Orange regrets this error.

Published on February 3, 2016 at 10:19 pm

Contact: ghhughes@syr.edu