Turandot

Overview

A century ago, on the 25th of April 1926, the operatic world bore witness to a moment of historic significance—the première of what was destined to become one of the most enduring masterpieces in the operatic repertoire: Giacomo Puccini's Turandot. It is Puccini's final work, and, according to many, the last great opera of the grand Italian tradition.

Left incomplete due to the composer's untimely death, Turandot was later finished by Franco Alfano, whose completion remains a subject of debate to this day. Nevertheless, what Puccini bequeathed to posterity is arguably one of the most complex and original scores of the twentieth century.

Set in an opulent, mythologised vision of ancient China, Turandot invites its audience into a realm of allegory and splendour, where cruel riddles and impossible choices are met with music of incandescent brilliance. Foremost among its glories is the aria "Nessun dorma", one of the most widely recognised tenor arias in the entire operatic repertoire. The opera explores the intersection of public persona and private longing, power and vulnerability, tradition and transgression. As with many of Puccini's heroines, the eponymous princess is imprisoned within the strictures of her own identity, compelled to maintain an impenetrable façade forged by cultural expectation and societal pressure. Much like Tosca before her, Turandot is burdened by a role that affords her little solace, navigating a treacherous path between autonomy and obligation.

Joseph Debrincat will be conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by the Classique Opera Chorus and a star-studded cast, in this new production of Puccini's final masterpiece.

This production is supported by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Visit Malta, NDSF and the Social Causes Fund.