VIDEO // China National Opera presents “Turandot” in Chișinău

China National Opera is bringing to the Republic of Moldova, for the very first time, the lyrical masterpiece “Turandot” by Giacomo Puccini, in a performance scheduled for June 12 at Arena Chișinău. The production brings together over 200 internationally renowned artists, lavish sets, and an outstanding cast, being part of the institution’s Balkan tour.

The event, organized by Moldova-Concert, will present on the capital’s stage a large-scale production with soloists, choir, and orchestra, in a staging featuring sumptuous sets and impressive costumes.

The performance is part of an extensive Balkan tour by the China National Opera, launched in the Republic of Moldova, and offers a landmark interpretation of one of the most acclaimed operas in the international lyrical repertoire.

“Turandot” is an opera in three acts composed by Giacomo Puccini, with a libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni, inspired by a play by Friedrich Schiller and by a Persian fairy tale included in Carlo Gozzi’s collection “1001 Days.” The work was left unfinished at the composer’s death and was later completed by Franco Alfano.

The world premiere took place on April 25, 1926, at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, under the baton of conductor Arturo Toscanini. The moment became famous because the performance was interrupted exactly at the point where Puccini had stopped composing.

The opera is considered one of Puccini’s most important creations, standing out through its dramatic scope and universal themes such as love, sacrifice, and transformation. Its most famous part is the aria “Nessun dorma,” performed by the world’s greatest tenors and now a symbol of the global operatic repertoire.

The audience will be admitted starting at 17:00, and the performance will begin at 19:00. The event is regarded as a landmark moment for the cultural scene of the Republic of Moldova.