Turandot

Drawing on Chinese and Italian theatrical tradition to evoke a richly-imagined, mythical Peking, Andrei Șerban’s dazzling production is a ‘blazing masterpiece’ (Financial Times). Daniel Oren and Richard Hetherington conduct an all-star cast, which includes Anna Netrebko, Maida Hundeling and Anna Pirozzi sharing the title role and Yusif Eyvazov, Arsen Soghomonyan and Roberto Alagna sharing the role of Calaf.

Puccini’s unfinished masterpiece

In the final months of his life Puccini struggled to depict Calaf’s triumph: he died before finishing the final act of this grand opera. Turandot was completed by Franco Alfano two years later and given its premiere in 1926 at La Scala, Milan. During this initial performance, the conductor Arturo Toscanini famously laid down his baton in Act III, declaring ‘at this point, the Maestro died’. Since its premiere, Turandot has gone on to have great worldwide success.

World-famous music

Puccini creates a rich sound world for this dark fairy tale. The opera contains many memorable arias, from ‘Signore, ascolta’ (Sir, listen), as Liù appeals to Calaf not to attempt Turandot’s deadly riddles, to Turandot’s defiant ‘In questa reggia’ (In this palace), as well as ‘Nessun dorma’ (None shall sleep), sung as Calaf anticipates winning the Princess’s hand. Andrei Șerban’s staging – one of the most spectacular in The Royal Opera’s repertory – transports an audience to a beautiful but ruthless world. Sally Jacobs‘ colourful sets and costumes are inspired by ancient Chinese culture, reflecting the traditional Chinese melodies woven into the score.