A welcome return to the met opera

Sworn against love by the death of her mother, proud Princess Turandot prefers watching her suitors meet a grisly end and having their heads placed on spikes at the palace gates, yet they still vie to win her hand. When Calaf takes up the challenge, the unattainable beauty may have met her match in Franco Zefferelli's lavish spectacle of a production of Puccini's final masterpiece. Angela Meade, Anna Pirozzi, and Liudmyla Monastyrska inhabit the cold-hearted princess while Michael Fabiano, Brian Jagde, and Roberto Alagna compete for her attentions as Calaf.

What Is The Story of Turandot?

Widely known as an epic grand opera and the origin of 'Nessun Dorma', Turandot takes place in a fantasy, fairy tale version of ancient China, with the Princess carrying out her bloody reign over Peking (now Beijing.) As the realm faces upheaval, peace depends on Turandot choosing a suitor, but after swearing off men after the violent death of a beloved ancestor, it's no easy task for even the most ardent admirer. 

When the exiled Prince Calaf decides to try his hand at Turandot's mind-bending challenges, it seems the bloodthirsty ruler may have met her match. Franco Zeffirelli's opulent production embodies the spirit of this strange tale of ruthlessness and love hard won.