La Bohème at Dubai Opera

A Living Legacy

Directed by Kálmán Nádasdy with set design by Gusztáv Oláh, this historic production has remained a cornerstone of the Hungarian State Opera’s repertoire since 1937. With nearly 900 performances over almost nine decades, it is a living monument to the enduring power of storytelling through music and stagecraft.

Praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, this production remains a genuine piece of theatrical heritage — a beautifully preserved classic that continues to captivate audiences with its elegance and sincerity.

Why You Can’t Miss It

• Stunning orchestration, design, and vocal artistry in an iconic setting: Dubai Opera
• Performed by the acclaimed Hungarian State Opera, one of Europe’s most prestigious companies
• A visually rich, historically significant production that has captivated audiences since 1937
• Puccini’s sweeping, emotional score filled with unforgettable arias and orchestral beauty
• A traditional staging of deeply human story of love and friendship — set in the romantic world of 19th-century Paris.

Act I

Rodolfo and Marcello shiver in their attic, burning the poet’s manuscript for warmth. Colline arrives empty-handed—pawnshops are closed—but Schaunard bursts in with money and a feast. After a joyful meal and outwitting the landlord, the friends head to the café. Rodolfo lingers to write, but a gentle knock interrupts: Mimì, her candle snuffed out by the wind. In the soft glow of moonlight, two hearts draw close, and love quietly takes root.

Act II

As the festive crowd swirls through the streets, the four friends and Mimì celebrate Christmas Eve at Café Momus. Musetta arrives with her wealthy companion, Alcindoro, but her sights are set on rekindling love with Marcello. With playful cunning, she ditches the old admirer and reunites with the painter. When the bohemians slip away, Alcindoro returns to find only the unpaid bill.

Act III

At dawn, in the cold fog near Barrière d’Enfer, Mimì seeks out Marcello at the tavern where he lives with Musetta. She confides that Rodolfo’s jealousy is driving them apart, though they still love each other deeply. Marcello offers to help. Hiding nearby, Mimì overhears Rodolfo confess to Marcello that he still loves her, but she is gravely ill, and he believes she’d be better off with someone who can care for her. Her sobs give her away. Reunited in tears, Mimì and Rodolfo vow to stay together until spring, as Musetta and Marcello slip back into a quarrel.

Act IV

In the attic once more, Rodolfo and Marcello try to work, but memories of Mimì and Musetta cloud their thoughts. Colline and Schaunard arrive, lifting the mood—until Musetta bursts in with grave news: Mimì is on her way, too weak to go on, longing to die where she was once happy. Left alone, the lovers tenderly recall their first meeting. One by one, the others return. As Colline gently closes the door, Mimì slips away quietly, forever.

Director: Kálmán Nádasdy

Conductor: István Dénes

Rodolfo: István Horváth (18.09.; 20.09.), Adorján Pataki (19.09.)

Schaunard: Azat Malik (18.09.; 19.09.; 20.09.)

Marcello: Csaba Szegedi (18.09.; 19.09.; 20.09.)

Colline: András Palerdi (18.09.; 19.09.; 20.09.)

Mimi: Orsolya Sáfár (18.09.; 20.09.), Gabriella Létay Kiss (19.09.)

Musetta: Mária Celeng (18.09.; 20.09.), Gabriella Rea Fenyvesi (19.09.)

Benoit / Alcindor: Dénes Gulyás (18.09.; 19.09.; 20.09.)

• Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable.
• No refunds will be accommodated in cases of non-admittance to the show due to late arrival.

Age limit: 

• 6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
• Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

• Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip-flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.

This ticket is sold subject to these Ticketing Terms and Conditions (the “T&C”). The T&C should be read carefully before purchase and the purchase of Ticket(s) constitutes acceptance of the T&C.

• Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable.
• No refunds will be accommodated in cases of non-admittance to the show due to late arrival.

• This ticket must be produced to gain entry into an event.

• Removing any part of, altering or defacing the ticket may invalidate it.

• This ticket must not, without the prior written consent of Dubai Opera, be resold or used for advertising, promotion or other commercial purposes, if not the ticket will be cancelled immediately.

• This ticket is only valid for the specific date, time and event shown.

• Dubai Opera does not offer refunds or exchanges as a result of a change in your circumstances. Dubai Opera at its sole discretion may only refund or exchange a ticket if an event is cancelled or rescheduled and you cannot attend the rescheduled event. This includes, but is not limited to, any circumstances related to Covid-19 which might prevent you from attending.

• Dubai Opera can only replace lost, stolen or damaged tickets if the ticket's authenticity can be verified, including proof of purchase, subject to replacement fee.

• Dubai Opera reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programmes, prices, seating arrangements and audience capacity without prior notice.

• Admission to an event is subject to Dubai Opera’s Conditions of Entry which can be found on Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com

• Where concessions are applicable, valid proof of identity and concession entitlement must be provided for the collection of tickets at the event.

• Entry to the event may be subject to age restrictions specified on Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com or publicity for the event, and no refund will be made because the ticket holder was not aware of such age restrictions. Children below 16 years must be accompanied by an adult

• Dubai Opera reserves the right without refund or compensation to refuse admission/evict any person(s) whose conduct is disorderly or inappropriate or who poses a threat to security, or the enjoyment of the event by others.

• The ticket holder agrees to submit to any search for any prohibited items including but not limited to weapons, controlled, dangerous and illegal substances and recording devices.

• Patrons arriving late to a performance will only be admitted into the venue at a suitable break. Latecomers may be seated in alternate seat locations to avoid disruption of the performance.

• The use of mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices inside the auditorium is prohibited. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.

• The ticket holder voluntarily assumes all risk and danger incidental to the event whether occurring before, during or after the actual event, including any death, personal injury, loss, damage or liability.

• Food & Beverages purchased outside Dubai Opera are not permitted. Food and beverages are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. This applies before the show, during the show and the intermission. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.

By car: If you're coming from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), take the exit towards Financial Center Road/D71 and follow the signs for Burj Khalifa/Downtown Dubai. Keep right and merge onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Continue straight until you reach Dubai Opera, which will be on your right.

By public transportation: You can take the Dubai Metro Red Line and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. From there, you can either walk for about 10 minutes to Dubai Opera or take a short taxi ride to reach the venue. 

By taxi: You can also take a taxi to Dubai Opera from anywhere in Dubai. If you're coming from downtown, the journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.