Turandot

The beautiful but icy Princess Turandot will only marry a man who can correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are brutally beheaded. But when an unknown prince arrives, the balance of power in Turandot’s court is forever shaken, as the mysterious stranger does what no other has been able to.

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). Rafael Payare and Francesco Ivan Ciampa conduct Puccini’s opera of love and revenge, with Sondra Radvanovsky and Ewa Płonka sharing the title role and SeokJong Baek and Gwyn Hughes Jones sharing the role of Calaf.

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'. Turandot has gone on to have great worldwide success.

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.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles 

 

The Royal Opera 

Music: Giacomo Puccini 

Director: Andrei Șerban 

Conductor: Raphael Payare 

 

Cast: Sondra Radvanovsky, SeokJong Baek, Gemma Summerfield, Adam Palka 

Running time: 205 minutes, Two intervals 

 

Doors open: 6.30pm.  Transmission begins: 7.15pm 

19:15-22:45 1 Apr 25

Adult: £15.00

Child: £1.00