On Wednesday September 26, the Metropolitan Opera House will revive Franco Zeffirelli's 1987 production of Turandot.
The opera by Puccini tells the story of the prince Calàf who falls in love with the icy princess Turandot. To obtain permission to marry her, a suitor has to solve three riddles; any false answer results in death. Calàf passes the test, but Turandot still hesitates to marry him. He offers her a way out: he agrees to die if she is unable to guess his real name.
For Wednesday's performance Maria Guleghina will reprise her signature role after a successful run in 2009. Guleghina known for her dramatic power and vocalism stated in a radio interview that it was one of her dream roles and that she is honored to perform in Franco Zeffirelli's production.
Rising star Russian Soprano Hibla Gerzmava will sing the role of Liu adding a third role to her Met repertoire.
Italian Tenor Marco Berti will sing the towering tenor role of Calaf and Legendary bass-baritone James Morris will make his role debut in the role of Timur.
Isreali conductor Dan Ettinger returns to the Met podium for the first time since his Met debut in 2009 where he lead the Met's revival of Le Nozze di Figaro.
The production opens on September 26 and will also be performed on the 29, October 3, 6 with this same cast. The cast will then change with Swedish soprano Irene Theorin in the title role. Theorin opened the San Francisco Opera season last year with the role and was a critical success prompting the Met to bring her for the second of performances. Met Favorite Marcello Giordani reprises the role of Calaf and National Council Audition winner Janai Brugger will make her unexpected Met Debut replacing the originally scheduled Takeska Meshe Kizart. Veteran bass Samuel Ramey will join the cast in January. Theorin and company are scheduled to sing on October 6, 30, November 2,5,9,and later in January 2, 7 and 10.
For more information on tickets and dates, go to the Met's website.
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