Giacomo Puccini: Turandot

This summer’s 74^th Ljubljana Festival opens with the SNG Maribor Opera and Ballet performing Turandot, which this year celebrates the centenary of its premiere. Giacomo Puccini, the master of Italian verismo, began composing this lyrical drama three years before his death in 1924, but only completed the first two acts. The final act was completed two years later by Franco Alfano. The title role in the story of the Chinese princess Turandot, who refuses to marry, will be sung by Rebeka Lokar, a Maribor-born soprano who has shown a particular affinity for the Italian operatic repertoire throughout her career. Yusif Eyvazov, one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation, returns to our stage following his successful appearance with Anna Netrebko at the 73^rd Ljubljana Festival. He will play the part of Calaf, a prince of Tartary, the only one of Turandot’s suitors to successfully answer the princess’s three riddles and win her heart. This staging is entirely the creation of the versatile Italian theatre artist and former opera singer Filippo Tonon, who serves as director, set designer, lighting designer and choreographer of the production. The orchestra will be conducted by Simon Krečič, artistic director of the SNG Maribor Opera.