Try your hand at opera trivia

Question:

In Puccini's La bohème, what is Mimi's real first name?

Answer:

Mimi’s real name, Lucia, is revealed during her famous aria “Si mi chiamano Mimi” in Act I of Puccini’s La bohème. Mimi has just met Rodolfo, a handsome poet, who has charmed her with his exquisite aria “Che gelida manina”. At the end of this aria, he pleads with her to reveal her name. She responds with the aria “Si mi chiamano Mimi” or “Yes, they call me Mimi”. In this aria, she describes her life as a humble seamstress and rather nervously reveals her real name is Lucia. Neither the aria nor the rest of the opera provides an explanation as to why she is called Mimi instead of Lucia. Puccini even wrote her name as Mimi in the score. Make sure to listen closely for the name reveal, when you see Lyric’s production of La bohème this season!