Turandot
By Giacomo Puccini

Inspired by the magical universe of fairy tales and set to a libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni, Turandot, Giacomo Puccini’s final work, premiered at La Scala in Milan in 1926 under the musical direction of Arturo Toscanini—nearly almost a century ago. As the opera remained unfinished at the time of Puccini’s death, the third act was completed by his student, Franco Alfano, while composer Luciano Berio proposed a second variation of the final act in 2001.

Puccini’s music is brimming with lyricism, exotic timbres, and dramatic tension. Combining comical elements, the light-hearted spirit of commedia dell'arte, awe-inspiring imagery, as well as the grandeur of an otherworldly imperial China, Turandot ventures into themes of love, sacrifice, vengeance, remorse, and the power of forgiveness, remaining one of the most beloved operatic masterpieces of the 20th century.

Princess Turandot challenges her suitors with three riddles—those who fail to answer them correctly pay the price with their lives. Enchanted by Turandot’s beauty, Prince Calaf accepts the challenge and solves the riddles; however, the princess refuses to marry him. The prince then offers to relieve Turandot of her commitment: if she can discover his name before dawn, he will forfeit his claim.
The masterwork of Giacomo Puccini returns to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in a majestic production by the Greek National Opera seventeen years after its initial presentation. The production is directed by Andrei Șerban, one of the world’s leading theatre and opera directors, featuring a stunning set and costume design by internationally renowned designer Chloe Obolensky in her first collaboration with the Greek Νational Opera. The performance will be conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi and will introduce an internationally acclaimed cast in the principal roles.