Turandot at Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2026
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
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
Imperatore Altoum
Carlo Bosi 07/08 14/08 21/08 27/08 03/09 11/09
Turandot
Anna Pirozzi 07/08 14/08 03/09 11/09
Lise Lindström 21/08 27/08
Timur
Roberto Tagliavini 07/08 14/08
Michele Pertusi 21/08 27/08 03/09 11/09
Calaf
Brian Jagde 07/08 14/08 21/08 11/09
Yusif Eyvazov 27/08 03/09
Liù
Mariangela Sicilia 07/08
Lisette Oropesa 14/08 21/08 27/08
Maria Agresta 03/09 11/09
Ping
Gëzim Myshketa 07/08 14/08 21/08 27/08 03/09 11/09
Pong
Matteo Macchioni 07/08 14/08 21/08 27/08 03/09 11/09
Pang
Saverio Fiore 07/08 14/08 21/08 27/08 03/09 11/09
Un mandarino
Ankhbayar Enkhbold 07/08 14/08 21/08 27/08 03/09 11/09
Customer Reviews
4.6 of 5
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Uwe S, Deutschland
Sep 2026
Einzigartiges Erlebnis in einer atemberaubenden Kulisse. Muss man einmal im Leben gesehen haben. Mehr Italien geht nicht.
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Martin R, Deutschland
Sep 2026
Grandios
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Stefano M, Italy
Sep 2026
fantastic
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Jürgen v, Deutschland
Sep 2026
Ergreifend und unvergesslich
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Eckhard B, Deutschland
Sep 2026
Top Aufführung, Sehr gut im Umfeld organisiert.
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Doris K, Frankreich
Sep 2026
Es war einfach fantastisch. Das Erlebnis einer Oper in der Arena di Verona ist unbeschreiblich.
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gerhard f, Österreich
Sep 2026
hervorragende betreuung
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David C, United Kingdom
Sep 2026
First act chaotic. Hard to follow
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Francisco d, España
Sep 2026
magnifico
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Tom H, Luxemburg
Aug 2026
Magischer Abend in einer historischen Arena. Die wundervollen Stimmen ließen die Zuschauer in eine traumhafte Klangwelt eintauchen.5
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Gérald B, France
Aug 2026
Magnifique
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Peggy M, France
Aug 2026
Spectacle magnifique!
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David I, Austria
Aug 2026
A great show, super evening with wonderful costumes and sets. Only criticism, the sound was a bit muted (even with my hearing aids in place).
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Edmond L, Belgique
Aug 2026
the voices of the characters are not loud enough sometimes, not the choirs. Music was perfect. The intermissions are not long enough for the huge public. Perhaps by 5 or 10 minutes more. Thank and congratulations
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Inna L, Deutschland
Aug 2026
Einfach fantastisch. Sehr gute Organisation. Tolle Schow, Atmosphäre. Ich würde beim nächsten Mal preiswertere Sitze nehmen auf den Steinen und ein Kissen mitnehmen. Unsere Sitze waren super unbequem und eng.
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Alain G, France
Aug 2026
Voix du ténor couvert oar choeur
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Calcedonio D, Deutschland
Aug 2026
Seher gut für uns eine Meisterwerk 👍💪👏
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Birgit S, Österreich
Aug 2026
Gute Sicht auf die Bühne, sehr heiß in der Arena
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Michael B, Deutschland
Aug 2026
Es war sehr schön , nur der Platz an den Klappstühlen ist für 2.5 stunden ein ne Zumutung! Für 100€ hätte ich etwas mehr platz erwartet
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Barry A, United Kingdom
Aug 2026
Fabulous venue. I went to Aida about thirty years ago in the cheap seats and returned with wife and daughter to the stalls for Turandot. More comfortable and even more soectacular. I hope it's less than thirty years for the next visit!
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Lorenza M, Germany
Aug 2026
Wonderful Performance! I would improve the size of the size and the position of the undertitles
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Simon M, United Kingdom
Aug 2026
A tremendous spectacle as always
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Manuela N, Deutschland
Aug 2026
phantastisch!!! Das Bühnenbild war umschlagbar schön! Nur die Stimmen waren zum Teil etwas schwach
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PATRICK B, France
Aug 2026
Turandot à Vérone, un spectacle absolument monumental ! Dans le décor saisissant des Arènes, la musique de Puccini prend une dimension presque irréelle. Voix puissantes, mise en scène grandiose et émotion à son comble : une soirée flamboyante, magique et inoubliable sous le ciel de Vérone
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Walter F, Schweiz
Aug 2026
Sehr gute Organisation, alles wunderbar geklappt — herzlichen Dank!!
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Michael N, Deutschland
Aug 2026
Es ist ein phantastisches Erlebnis. Atmosphäre in der Arena, das grandiose Bühnenbild mit einer Ausstattung, die begeistert Die Qualität der Solisten, vor allem auch des Chores und des Orchesters waren eine Freude. Alles in allem, sehr zu empfehlen!
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marjorie B, France
Aug 2026
spectacle grandiose, mise en scène superbe ! un seul bémol : dommage que les agents des arènes ne fassent pas respecter l interdiction de prendre des photos ou filmer pendant le spectacle. Nous avons été vraiment gênés pas la lumière des téléphones portables pendant le spectacle … certaines personnes préfèrent voir le spectacle à travers un écran …. c est dommage pour eux et gênant pour les autres …malgré tout , nous ne regrettons pas d'être venus d'Aix en Provence juste pour voir cet opéra!!!!
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István Andras D, Hungary
Aug 2026
Fantastic
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Ivo J, Česká republika
Aug 2026
5+
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David S, Switzerland
Aug 2026
This was a wonderful experience and would definitely do it again.
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Gerlinde B, Deutschland
Aug 2026
Turandot in der Arena, einfach zauberhaft
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Elizabeth S, United Kingdom
Aug 2026
Absolutely outstanding‐ a masterpiece production.
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Aug 2022
Muy adecuado y sin problemas
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Aug 2022
Einfach ein gelebter Traum!
