Romantic, beloved opera coming to Milton Centre for the Arts

For the first time ever, an opera is coming to Milton.

Milton Concert Presentations (MCP) will present Puccini’s La Boheme, a love story, on stage at the Milton Centre for the Arts on Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.

Unlike other operas that perform under one house with a large orchestra, Puccini’s opera La Boheme travels from stage to stage. Presented by Jeunesses Musicales Ontario — an affiliate of Jeunesses Musicales Canada — the opera will transport you to the artistic hub that Paris became well-known for at the beginning of the 19th Century.

MCP presenters say the opera will pull at the heart strings, since it’s a passionate love story between Mimi and Rodolfo, the two main characters.

This presentation is performed by some of the finest young lyric voices from across the country, says Jeunesses Musicales Ontario. Under the music direction of pianist Louise-Andrée Baril, this production has everything to appeal to a vast audience from opera connoisseurs to opera newcomers, organizers add.

Meanwhile, MCP announced in February that it’s closing its doors after this season.

In passing the torch to the Milton Centre for the Arts, MCP chair Heather Shoemaker said the centre had proven to be a perfect location for concerts.

“The acoustics are exceptional; seating is comfortable; the company is excellent; and a glass of wine can be enjoyed during intermission,” she said. “For 20 years, MCP has lobbied for a more suitable place to house classical music and respect the needs of the community.”

Shoemaker said the non-profit group started out 28 years ago at Halton Hills Place, moving to St. Paul’s, then out to Southside Church, and back to St. Paul’s,

“Each move meant diminished patronage until our location settled back into a routine where we could recapture those whom we lost by the move,” she added.

MCP monitored the centre’s impact on the audience as well as the performers.

“Many times we have heard the performers rave over the wonderful acoustics and the beautiful piano,” said Shoemaker. “The audience, as well, have written in about how nice the sight lines are and how comfortable the seating is.”

The last two seasons have provided wonderful positive feedback saying, “This is the right place. Congratulations to all of you,” she said, noting there comes a time with all organizations to have others carry the dream forward.

“Often the difficulty lies in the when,” she said, “and for MCP that when is now.”

Classical music has enriched all of us, she continued.

“We would like to thank our loyal audience, for their help in carrying through the great integrity of our programs over the years,” Shoemaker said. “MCP cherishes our events and they will become part of our treasured memories.”

Tickets are $42 for adults and $37 for child/student or senior, and available at Chudleigh’s Box Office, by phone at (905) 878-6000 or online at www.miltoncentreforthearts.com.