San Diego Opera’s ‘La bohème’ paves way for a new collaboration

In Rafael Payare’s native Venezuela, there is no operatic tradition, so San Diego Symphony’s music director discovered the art form later than many of his musical colleagues. But like Mimi and Rodolfo in “La bohème,” once Payare was introduced to opera, he was instantly smitten.

“How could you not love opera? Once I was exposed to it, it was one of the things I loved to do,” he said. “Trying to choose my favorite opera composer is like choosing one meal for the rest of your life. I love Puccini, but I also love Strauss and Wagner and Rossini. I can’t pick one.”

Over the years, Payare has conducted numerous operas. His very first was Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” He conducted “La bohème” three years ago in Sweden and is booked to conduct a concert version it next spring in Germany.

“With Puccini, it’s always about very fast counterpoints and the lyricism is phenomenal,” Payare said. “The music involves you in this whole world that’s almost symphonic.”

Payare’s appearance with San Diego Opera will be precedent-setting. Traditionally the company has always hired guest conductors who specialize in opera to lead the San Diego Symphony musicians in the pit. But Payare said he and David Bennett, SDO’s general director, have been talking for some time about him conducting some productions in future opera seasons. The opportunity for Payare to conduct “La bohème” arrived unexpectedly this fall because its original conductor couldn’t travel from Italy due to quarantine restrictions.

“The relationship between the opera and the symphony is long-lasting, and extends beyond the theater,” Bennett said of Payare’s appointment for “La bohème. “We come together as partners to enrich the cultural life of San Diego.”

The production will have a bit of Latin flavor, since Martínez was born and raised in Puerto Rico and Guerrero is Mexican-American. Payare said he looks forward to sharing a few conversations in Spanish with the two singers during the run.

“We’re taking this as a challenge we have to overcome. I feel really grateful and very excited. It will be challenging, but I’m sure we’ll make the best out of it,” Payare said. “Everybody will be so happy because we’ve been so deprived of the chance to play music and sing opera.”