Young Talents Shine in La Bohème at Shangyin Opera House

Shanghai, China – The Shangyin Opera House, the experimental theatre affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SCM), staged a vibrant reimagining of Puccini’s La Bohème on April 17–18, 2025. This production, tailored for a cast of emerging artists, brought fresh energy to the beloved opera that celebrates the joy and sorrow of young love and artistic pursuit.

The production was helmed by celebrated director Li Wei, known for his creative, budget-friendly takes on operetta and opéra comique. The baton was held by Jin Yukuang, the fast-rising chief conductor of the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra, who led Camerata Novus-Classica a of which he is the founding music director with the SCM students’ chorus providing vocal support.

In a significant highlight, the cast featured two of China’s most sought-after international opera stars. Tenor Xiahou Jinxu, former soloist with the Vienna State Opera and a favourite of Dominique Meyer, took on the role of Rodolfo for the first time in China, having previously performed it in Gdansk, Mannheim, and Vienna. He was joined by soprano Yu Guanqun, a seasoned Mimì with performances at the Bavarian State Opera and Zurich Opera, fresh off her appearance as Gilda in Rigoletto with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Both singers made their house debuts in this production.

Supporting roles were performed by SCM students, including soprano Luo Yudan, a doctoral candidate, as Musetta, and baritone Hu Sihao as Marcello. His magnetic stage presence in Carmen, Don Giovanni, l Barbiere di Siviglia, and Les troyens has earned him widespread acclaim, with his gorgeous voice foreshadowing a promising international trajectory. Standing at 6'4", Hu brought a commanding stage presence and will join the prestigious Ryan Opera Center Young Artist Program at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in May 2025.

This production was realised with the participation of about 90 students across music and engineering departments, under the leadership of Guan Jun, vocal coach and opera producer from SCM’s Composition and Conducting Department. Guan also served as casting director and production supervisor. “This is a rare opportunity for students to engage in aspects of opera that go beyond the classroom,” she said.

The production was part of SCM’s commitment to providing its students with hands-on experience, equipping the next generation of musicians, singers, and stage professionals with real-world skills and artistic insight.