La Boheme – St George’s Hall One of the finest operas ever written is currently enjoying a lot of attention in the neighbourhood.

Not only is Opera North mounting a new production at Leeds Grand later this month, but a couple of weeks ago the Ellen Kent touring company arrived at St George’s Hall in Bradford.

Opera North will be hard-pressed to better these hard-working tourists.

Four lusty male voices from the Chisinau National Opera soon had us eating out of their hands.

Petru Racovita as Marcella was a clear, easy communicator. Ruslan Zinevych was younger with brittle delivery, but warmly in touch with Mimi following her arrival on stage.

Mimi’s consumptive condition didn’t quite square with her healthy voice, but her arias came across well.

Iuri Gisca’s Schaunard was a bit of a joker, contrasting well with Iurie Maimescu’s very serious bass Colline. Olga Perrier’s Musetta was a friend to Elena Dee’s ailing Mimi.

The conductor Nicolae Dohotaru paced the performance beautifully and the orchestra responded well.

A real brass band appeared on stage for Puccini’s act two, with just about enough room.