On Saturday, The Natchez Festival of Music will present the world’s most famous opera, “La Bohéme.”

This is the musical stage production that was the inspiration for the Broadway musical “Rent.”

This is truly the most often performed musical stage production in the world.

The story goes like this: Rodolfo, a poet, and his fellow bohemians, Marcello (a painter), Schaunard (a musician), and Colline (a philosopher), manage to have an enjoyable life in Paris despite their extreme financial difficulties.

During the cold winter of 1847, a torrid romance is kindled between Rodolfo and a beautiful seamstress named Mimì, but love is not the only thing lurking in the city; tragedy and sadness await them all.

It is a tale of love and loss that is sure to touch everyone’s heart with its “renowned and passionate musical brilliance.”

This production features 40 professional singers from all over the United States and an orchestra comprised of extraordinary musicians from six countries.

The production is directed by J.J. Hudson and conducted by me.

The unusual set was designed specifically for this production by nationally known designer, Wes Hanson. The production also features the Natchez Children’s Chorus with a special guest appearance by Cotton Alley Restaurant owner David Browning.

Please note this change in advertised venue: This performance will be held at the Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin, located at 64 Homochitto St. in Natchez.  The performance begins at 7 p.m. Saturday. The doors and bar will open at 6 p.m. This is the only performance this season that will be held in the Natchez Performing Arts Center.

Plumbing repairs to the building have been completed, enabling the Festival of Music to return to its “home.”

We will look forward to seeing you “in Paris” as the characters of “La Boheme” conclude this year’s presentations.

Jay Dean is artistic director for the Natchez Festival of Music.