La Boheme – role debut as Mimi for Melbourne Opera
La Boheme – Elena Xanthoudakis makes her Debut as Mimi
Elena is thrilled to have made her debut as Mimi in La Boheme, in her first Verismo role at the Melbourne Opera’s Puccini festival this September 2024. Directed by acclaimed Melbourne Director Gary Abrahms, and a creative team including Harriet Oxley – Costumes,
Despite illness, Elena performed 3 performances of Mimi to outstanding reviews – see below:
La Boheme – Mimi – Melbourne Opera Reviews:
Finally, Elena Xanthoudakis’ performances Mimi often brings a tear to the eye,
even when she’s not singing – the moment she collapses into Rodolfo’s arms at
the start of Act Four being one example. Her melancholic vocal tone draws on the
heartstrings, and her demure, gentle characterisation of Mimi evokes a sense of her
body’s doomed frailty.
Jenna Schroder – Artshub.com — 18 th September, 2024
Xanthoudakis is radiant in capturing Mimi’s fragility, dreams and desperation that
culminates in the fear of loneliness in death. Just as Mimi’s wish is granted, so too
is the audience’s of an artist who delves into wonderfully shaded sensitivities in her
vocal work, her Act 3 aria, Donde lieta usci, when Mimi learns the real reason why
Rodolfo has been acting irritably towards her, a soul-stirring highlight.
Paul Selar – Australian Arts Review -15 th September, 2024
Elena Xanthoudakis brings a finely calibrated fragility to dear Mimi, all too
convincingly appearing ever close to death. Xanthoudakis’ performance of act one
are ‘Si, mi chiamano Mimi’ is a tender highlight and ‘Donde lieta usci,’ in act
three, is even more exquisite. Xanthoudakis’ final scene in act four is all the more
moving for her delicate performance.
Boyd Owen makes for a stirring Rodolfo, his clarion tenor ringing out in thrilling
form. Classic aria ‘Che gelida manina’ soars out, earning rousing audience
acclaim. Owen enjoys sweet chemistry with Xanthoudakis and the pair’s duets are
perfectly matched: indeed, one could happily listen to the pair sing all day.
Simon Parris – Man in Chair – 16th September, 2024
Magnificent Elena Xanthoudakis
George Dixon – Theatre Matters – 22nd September, 2024
Soprano Elena Xanthoudakis is ethereal and intoxicating as Mimi
Alex First – The Blurb – September, 2024
As Mimi Elena Xanthoudakis’ arias gently unfurl like delicate suspended
moments – especially Act 1’s Si, Mi chiamano Mimi and Act 3’s Donde lieta usci.
Bryget Chrisfield – Beat.com.au – 19 th September, 2024
Photos by Robin Halls