The Essence of Opera: Turandot

A stylised performance of the opera by Giacomo Puccini

Performers:
Turandot – Julija Karaliūnaitė
Calàf – Vitaliy Kovalchuk (Italy/Ukraine)
Liù – Monika Kučinska
Timur – Konstantin Toman
Narrator – Mindaugas Valiukas
Piano – Raminta Lampsatytė
Harp – Viktorija Smailytė

In May The Essence of Opera returns to the Sapieha Palace, inviting audiences to experience a drama of bitter hatred and unexpected love in the court of the Chinese Emperor. Giacomo Puccini’s (1858–1924) final opera, Turandot, was left unfinished at the time of his death and later completed by composer Franco Alfano, premiering in 1926. The opera was written at the beginning of the 20th century, a period marked by the rise of dictators and political upheaval, on the brink of world wars and globalisation. The turbulent era is also reflected in the cultural works of the time.

The plot of Turandot is based on an ancient Persian tale, later adapted into a play of the same name by Friedrich Schiller. The story centres on three powerful archetypes: the Dictator, the Fanatic, and the Martyr. Which character represents which archetype is left for audience’s interpretation.

The concept of The Essence of Opera is unique. A new character – the narrator – is added to the abridged opera, who introduces the protagonists, clarifies the plotlines and becomes an equal partner of the soloists. This chamber concert version of the opera follows the popular German tradition of opera concisa (‘opera in a nutshell’), which offers an opportunity to rediscover the magic of opera. Through a contemporary yet respectful interpretation of the classical work, audiences are invited to experience the essence of the opera by listening to its key arias and ensembles, and following its central plotline and emotional arcs.

Organisers:
The Sapieha Palace, VšĮ Opera Light
Concept by: Ričardas Rickevičius
Artistic Director: Julija Karaliūnaitė
Musical Director: Raminta Lampsatytė

Sponsor: UAB Delight LT