Residents across North Hertfordshire – including music lovers from Hitchin – will have the chance to hear from one of the UK's leading conductors this month as Alice Farnham appears live in nearby Letchworth.

The acclaimed conductor will take part in a special screening of La Bohème at the Broadway Cinema & Theatre on Friday 13 March at 7.30pm, followed by an in-person Q&A with the audience.

The event will showcase a contemporary retelling of La Bohème, reimagined in 21st-century East London. The production follows a group of idealistic graduates navigating friendship, creativity, love and loss — bringing fresh relevance to one of opera's most enduring stories.

After the screening, Farnham — who served as the film's musical director — will discuss the creative process behind adapting opera for the screen, working with singers and musicians, and shaping the emotional power of Puccini's score.

Farnham is widely respected not only for her conducting career but also for her work championing women in classical music. As co-founder and artistic director of the Women Conductors programme, she has supported and mentored more than 200 female musicians and students entering the profession — helping to open doors in a field historically dominated by men.

Her appearance in Letchworth offers local audiences the chance to engage with a nationally recognised figure without needing to travel into London.

Jason Valentine, Venues Manager at Broadway Cinema & Theatre, said: "We're incredibly proud to welcome Alice Farnham to Broadway. Opportunities like this don't come around often in towns the size of Letchworth. To be able to offer our audiences the chance to watch La Bohème and then hear directly from one of the UK's most inspiring conductors is something really special. Alongside the Chamber Philharmonic Europe concert later in the month, it makes March an exciting time for classical music lovers locally."

The event forms part of a strong month for classical music at the venue. On Sunday 29 March at 7.30pm, the theatre will also host a concert by the internationally acclaimed Chamber Philharmonic Europe.

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Founded in Cologne in 2006, the orchestra brings together outstanding young musicians from 18 European nations. Their programme ranges from works by Arcangelo Corelli and Johann Sebastian Bach to Gabriel Fauré and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with solo performances from trumpet virtuoso Cyrill Gussaroff and violinist Irina Knauer.

Together, the events offer local audiences the opportunity to experience exceptional international musical talent just a short journey from Hitchin.

Event details

La Bohème: Live Q&A with Alice Farnham

📅 Friday 13 March

🕢 7:30pm

📍 Broadway Cinema & Theatre

🎟 Tickets: www.broadway-letchworth.com

Chamber Philharmonic Europe – Live Concert

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📅 Sunday 29 March

🕢 7:30pm

📍 Broadway Cinema & Theatre

🎟 Tickets: www.broadway-letchworth.com