Greater Bridgeport Symphony Performs 'La Bohème' for 'Christmas Eve in Paris' Concert on Saturday, December 17, at the Klein

Bridgeport, Connecticut's Greater Bridgeport Symphony will perform a special concert version of Giacomo Puccini's epic La bohème for their holiday-themed "Christmas Eve in Paris" show, scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 17, at 8 p.m. at the Klein Memorial Auditorium.

To be conducted by former Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra maestro Eric Jacobsen, the full GBS orchestra will reach in excess of 100 musicians for the gala presentation of Puccini's bohemian tale. The opera's lead roles will be performed by accomplished soloists Laquita Mitchell, Thomas Woodman, Ariadne Greif, Benjamin Bloomfield, David Blalock and Alexander Elliott.

The anticipated concert will also feature the principal orchestra of the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras, who will join the GBS in the last half of the La bohème recital. Further, the 2016 GBS Young Instrumentalists' Competition winner, Julian Shively, will deliver a special solo cello interpretation of the revered Nativity classic, "What Child is This?"

The evening performance will be laced with quintessential Christmas and Hanukkah songs throughout. Per a GBS press release regarding the concert, an orchestra executive spoke with great excitement for the special GBS holiday concert to be led by conductor Jacobsen:

"We're so excited to bring this Christmas classic to Bridgeport," said GBS executive director Mark Halstead. "Eric is creating a memorable arrangement of La bohème -- well-known as a great entrée into operatic music -- interspersed with holiday favorites. Having GBYO join us, and being able to showcase the amazing talents of local youth, makes the evening even more special. How better to spend the holidays than with a great big family of musicians?"

Puccini's celebrated La bohème was composed by the Italian operatist in the late 19th century to a libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. The opera was based on French author Henri Murger's 1851 literary collection, Scènes de la vie de bohème.

Tickets for "Christmas Eve in Paris" range from $15.00 to $59.00 per person. For more information and to purchase concert tickets, please call the GBS at (203) 576 - 0263 or visit www.gbso.org. Special holiday gift packages and family pack deals are available.

TagsGreater Bridgeport Symphony, La bohème, Giacomo Puccini