Turandot at Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2024
About the Event
Keep your head as Puccini's ice princess claims those of her suitors! Franco Zeffirelli's sumptuous production of Puccini's late masterpiece fills the Arena di Verona with the atmosphere of ancient Peking.
'None shall sleep', to borrow the words of the opera's most famous aria, Calaf's Nessun dorma, as darkness falls over the ancient amphitheater, and thousands of candles are lit, creating a magical atmosphere to match Puccini's luminous score.
'Turandot is Puccini's last opera, unfinished at the time of his death in 1924. The opera was completed by Franco Alfano, using Puccini’s sketches and drafts, although other versions are sometimes performed. As with 'Madama Butterfly', the composer explores Oriental tonality, both music and plot reflecting an enduring interest in exoticism that gripped Western Europe in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The plot is based on the story of the cold, hard‐hearted Princess Turandot from the Persian 'Book of One Thousand and One Days'. The tragic story of love and loss premiered in Milan in 1926, where the opera was shown in its unfinished version in honour of its composer.
Act 1
The Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The Princess Turandot, a woman of great beauty, but whose heart is cold as ice, sets her suitors three riddles. Failure to answer correctly comes with the penalty of death. The execution of a failed prince stirs the blood of the crowd. Among the crowd stands a vanquished king of Tartary, Timur. The old king meets his long‐lost son, Prince Calaf, once again. Calaf falls in love with Turandot at first sight, and swears he will answer her three riddles. Timur’s slave girl, Liu, attempts to stop his reckless resolve, but his determination strengthens.
Act 2
Turandot appears, and begins to ask Calaf her three riddles, and Calaf successfully answers. Turandot is furious, and refuses to marry him. Calaf offers an exchange — if Turandot can learn his name by dawn, he will forfeit his life.
Act 3
Turandot orders that no‐one may sleep until someone learns the mysterious prince's name. Liu is captured and tortured. Turandot asks Liu why she is refusing to give up his name. Liu answers that her love for Calaf gives her strength, and takes her own life.
Turandot remains alone to confront Calaf. Calaf gives away his own name. At the break of dawn, Turandot proclaims her victory. She announces to the crowd “His name is …Love”. Turandot and Calaf are married.
'
Practical Information
Included are:
- Ticket to the opera performance in the chosen category
- One month's free access to a premium classical music streaming service
- self‐guided audio tour of Verona in English
Cast / Production
DIRECTION AND SET DESIGN, Franco Zeffirelli
COSTUMES, Emi Wada
CHOREOGRAPHY, Maria Grazia Garofoli
CONDUCTOR, Michele Spotti
TURANDOT
Ekaterina Semenchuk 8 June
Yeajin Jeon 15 June
Anna Pirozzi 22 June
Olga Maslova 29 June
L’IMPERATORE ALTOUM
Piero Giuliacci 8, 15, 22, 29 June
IL PRINCIPE IGNOTO
Yusif Eyvazov 8 June
Angelo Villari 15 June
Gregory Kunde 22, 29 June
TIMUR
Riccardo Fassi 8, 15, 22, 29 June
LIÙ
Mariangela Sicilia 8, 29 June
Maria Agresta 15 June
Daria Rybak 22 June
PING
Youngjun Park 8, 15, 22, 29 June
PANG
Riccardo Rados 8, 15, 22, 29 June
PONG
Matteo Macchioni 8, 15, 22, 29 June
UN MANDARINO
Hao Tian 8, 15 June
Nicolò Ceriani 22, 29 June
Customer Reviews
5.0 of 5
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Aug 2022
Muy adecuado y sin problemas
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Aug 2022
Einfach ein gelebter Traum!
