TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Symphony Orchestra will hold its final two concerts of the year next Monday and Tuesday, featuring soprano Nino Machaidze, bass-baritone Guido Loconsolo, and conductor Carlo Goldstein.

Monday’s concert will focus on the evolution of bel canto opera, highlighting works of Mozart, Rossini, and Verdi. Tuesday’s program will feature classic opera melodies, waltzes, and polkas, including works by Lehar and the Strauss family. 

Machaidze, visiting Taiwan for the first time, will sing “Si, mi chiamano Mimi,” one of Giacomo Puccini’s most beloved arias from “La Boheme,” during Monday’s concert. Loconsolo, who is married to Machaidze, will perform excerpts from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” taking on the roles of both Don Giovanni and his servant Leporello.

“La Boheme” (“The Bohemian”) features some of the most iconic opera music ever composed. The story follows the tragic love story of Mimi and Rodolfo in Paris, set against a lush, romantic score, according to ENO.

During their conversation, Rodolfo asks Mimi about her life. She sings “Si, mi chiamano Mimi,” (“Yes, they call me Mimi”), describing her simple life as an embroiderer while he listens closely.

The contrast between Don Giovanni and Leporello forms the core of the entire story, Loconsolo noted. Servant Leporerllo is one of three lower-class figures in the opera and is often seen as a complementary figure to his master, per ENO.

These two characters are frequently portrayed as variations of a similar type, differing mainly in social standing. In some productions, they are cast as lookalikes.

Loconsolo described the opera as a portrayal of the struggle between an individual and society, with Don Giovanni embodying rebellion. He added that the essence of the work lies in its exploration of the clash between good and evil, light and dark.

Loconsolo expressed his excitement about sharing these timeless pieces with Taiwanese audiences.