Washington National Opera: Turandot

Christopher Tin's new ending to Giacomo Puccini's unfinished masterpiece Turandot is premiering at the Kennedy Center on May 11th. A commission from Washington National Opera, Turandot features a new libretto by Emmy-winning playwright Susan Soon He Stanton. 

Powerful princess Turandot plays by her own rules. She invites any suitor to marry her, but first they'll have to correctly solve three riddles—or face a gruesome death. The men are dropping like flies until Prince Calaf cracks the code. When he poses his own riddle back to Turandot, she finally has a glimpse at true love. But will Turandot's icy heart freeze love out?

Color… pageantry… spectacle… there's a reason why Turandot is at the top of the opera canon. Puccini’s final work mesmerizes with its sumptuous music, from the alluring overture to Prince Calaf's passionate "Nessun dorma," one of the world's most famous arias ever written. Grammy Award–winning composer Christopher Tin, known for his film and video game soundtracks, and acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Susan Soon He Stanton offer a compelling new world premiere ending to Puccini's final, unfinished work. 

Turandot will let audience members decide for themselves: is Turandot mercilessly cruel, or justifiably cautious?

In Italian with Projected English Titles.

Runs May 11-25. (Note: The May 11 and 19 performances are sold out)

Please be advised that this production includes references to sexual violence and includes some mature themes, including brief onstage depictions of violence.

About Washington National Opera

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