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Turandot, © Photo: Ennevi | Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona -
Turandot, © Photo: Ennevi | Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona -
Turandot, © Photo: Ennevi | Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona -
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Early Bird Special: Turandot at Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2024
Verona, Arena di Verona
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.
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Practical Information
Book now to take advantage of Early Bird Specials! Tickets for Italy's famous summer opera festival available at attractive early bird prices for bookings made before January 07. Get your ticket for this unique opera performance today!
Premiere events and the categories Poltronissima Platinum, Gold and Poltrona category are excluded from the offer.
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
Program
- Giacomo Puccini – Turandot
Cast / Production
to be announced
Arena di Verona
The Arena di Verona is the third largest Roman amphitheatre still standing. Built around 30 AD, the Arena is also among the best-preserved amphitheatres of the period. Its gigantic dimensions (140 meters long and 100 meters wide), and seating for over 30,000 spectators, ensure it dominates the northern part of Piazza Bra. Excellent acoustics and a fabulous location make it an ideal venue for large-scale opera performances. The monument was re-established as a theatre during the Renaissance, and in 1913 the tradition of opera at the Arena di Verona began with a production of Giuseppe Verdi's 'Aida'.
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini was an Italian opera composer of the late 19th century. He was considered one of the greatest composers of the Italian Opera, second only to Verdi. His early works were characterised by features of the traditional 19th century romantic Italian opera. Later, his style developed into the realistic verismo style, which inspired him to write his most famous masterpieces and became one of the leading exponents of the style. His most renowned works La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (1924), all are popular operas played in the most prestigious venues of the classical world.
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!
Address
Arena di Verona, Piazza Bra 28, Verona, Italy — Google Maps
