LOVE CONQUERS ALL IN TURANDOT

Irene Theorin and Marco Berti. Photo by Cory Weaver

FOR ALL EVENTS

LOVE CONQUERS ALL IN TURANDOT

It is Puccini’s last opera. This production (Turandot) at the San Francisco Opera House is the most vivid and colorful production that I have ever seen. For that I can forgive the first two acts that were a little bit slow. But the Third Act is beyond fantastic.

David Hockney has come up with a production that is way into the future. With dazzling 3-D like visuals. Hockney made sure that the lighting enhanced the music.  The result? Electrifying!

In her San Francisco debut Irene Theorin (Turandot) is a princess who is cold as ice. Finally, in the second act the man-hating Turandot begins to melt a little as Prince Calaf manages to answer her riddles. Calaf (Marco Berti) wins over the Princess. Not easily, but he melts the frigid Princess little by little. The Princess is gorgeously dressed and completely on pitch. She eventually warms up to Calaf who sings the tuneful and beautiful aria “Nussum Dorma.” It’s always the highlight of the Opera.

On stage briefly is Liu (Leah Crocetto) who is in love with Calaf. He, of course likes here, but he doesn’t love her. Her fate? The Princess sends Liu to her death. The selfish, self-loved Turandot is not all that caring.

I don’t think there could be a better production of “Turandot.” The singing is absolutely breathtaking.

The conductor Nicola Luisotti’s conducting brings a magical blend of Orchestra and Vocals.  This Grand Opera opens new light and new visions of powerful high notes. Every movement is sumptuous.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! –(highest rating) –trademarked-

This visually majestic “Turandot” will play Oct. 4 -- Nov. 18-25.  Info and Tickets: 415-864-3330.

http://www.sfopera.com/

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! –(highest rating) –trademarked-

This visually majestic “Turandot” will play Oct. 4 -- Nov. 18-25.  Info and Tickets: 415-864-3330.

http://www.sfopera.com/

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED))) 

COURTESY OF: www.beyondchron.org.