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A September performance of “La Boheme” at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center became the opportunity of a lifetime for 30 SDSU School of Performing Arts students who were selected to participate in the opera.

Teatro Lirico D’Europa, a world-renowned production company, came to Brookings as part of the Woodbine Productions performance series and presented the first opera in the 18 years of the program.

Laura Diddle, Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed Professor of Choral Activities, coached the students who performed the entire Act II and beginning of Act III in eight-part harmony in Italian. Diddle’s leadership at SDSU is felt across many areas as she conducts the Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers and the Choralia Women’s Chorus. She also teaches applied voice to music majors and minors and is responsible for vocal music education courses.

“La Boheme” holds historical significance as a timeless masterpiece in the world of opera. Composed by Giacomo Puccini in the late 19th century, it captured the essence of the bohemian lifestyle in Paris, portraying the struggles and passions of its characters. Its enduring appeal and influence on the arts make it an iconic work in opera history.

The opera is also significant to contemporary musical theatre artists, as it is the basis for Jonathan Larson's widely influential and generation-defining musical “Rent.” A select group of SDSU’s finest vocal students auditioned and were included in the performance after completing a remarkable 16 hours of rehearsals.

SDSU students who participated in "La Boheme" included: Emma Jensen, Jamee Kattner, Mercedes Lodmell, Arianna Rice, Lindsey Sisco, Grace Wilford, Milaana Wollman, Madeline Brink, Kally Brinkman, Haley Dahl, Samantha Ebel, Sydney Jessen, Claire Krogman, Elise Larson, Sofia Limoges, Avery Retzer, Landon Brown, Elijah Hoey, Charles Kriech, Zander Larson, Eric Lohr, Steiger Manson, Ethan Strawn, Sean McManamy, Caden Fischer, Trey VanPeursem, Thomas Reynolds, Kaden Sivertsen, Isaiah Campbell, Nicholas Forster and McCormick Evink.