Knoxville Opera: Puccini’s Turandot

AN ICY, BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS SO DESIRABLE THAT MEN CAME BY THE HUNDREDS TO VIE FOR HER LOVE. Desired by all men but wanting none, China’s cold-blooded Princess Turandot has built a wall of riddles around her heart.  Despite the deadly consequences of failure, Prince Calàf takes on Turandot’s challenge to match her wit and melt her icy resistance. Certainly the finest opera never completed, Turandot was bereft of its final scene due to Puccini’s untimely death. While it took a mere mortal to finish what this genius composer had started, Turandot remains among the top of the operatic pantheon to this day. Its ravishing score bursts with brilliant choruses and fiendishly difficult arias, including “Nessun dorma,” which Luciano Pavarotti elevated to iconic status. The opera’s music and majesty will be crowned by four sensational artists. Performed in Italian with projected English translations.

Opera previews hosted by Maestro Salesky begin 45 minutes prior to opera performances.  Patrons get insight into the music, story, history and a chance for Q&A. All students are invited to take photos with the cast on the set after the final curtain for Turandot.

Performances: Friday, February 23 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, February 25 at 2:30 PM. Contact Knoxville Opera box office for Penny4Arts tickets to either performance. Tickets may also be available starting one hour prior to performance time at the Civic Auditorium. Please allow extra time for parking downtown and security lines. Please be aware of the security policy for the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.

Open to students outside of Knox County? YES
Advance reservations required? NO
Contact: Marie Butler, 865-524-0795 x1, mbutler@knoxvilleopera.com