The production of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot" at the Latvian National Opera will celebrate its 50th anniversary this winter. The premiere of the staging by Maestro Rihards Glāzups, stage director Jānis Zariņš, set and costume designer Edgars Vārdaunis took place on December 29, 1973, starring Žermēna Heine-Vāgnere as Turandot and Kārlis Zariņš as Calaf.

The performance of “Turandot” on January 5, 2024, will commemorate the beloved production's anniversary. At 6:00 PM in the LNO's Dress Circle Hall, attendees are invited to meet three prominent soloists who have interpreted the title role at different times in this masterpiece: musicologist Liene Jakovļeva will converse with Solveiga Raja, Ieva Kepe, and Jūlija Vasiļjeva. The spoken language of the event will be Latvian.

“Turandot” is Giacomo Puccini's final opera; its conclusion, including the duet and finale after the composer's death, was completed by Franco Alfano. The world premiere of this opera took place in 1926 at Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The incredibly beautiful yet ice-cold Chinese princess Turandot is willing to execute any suitor who fails to solve her three riddles, but Prince Calaf is ready to fight for Turandot's heart.

Since its 1973 staging, the production of “Turandot” at our opera house has undergone four revivals. The first was created by director Oļģerts Šalkonis, followed by revivals by stage director Guntis Gailītis, who was Jānis Zariņš's assistant during the original production. The most recent revival of “Turandot” was in 2017, led by music director Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, set designer Juris Salmanis, costume designer Kristīne Pasternaka, and choreographer Elita Bukovska.

Over the fifty years of this production, leading roles have been performed by brilliant Latvian artists and numerous guest soloists. This December, Latvian National Opera soloist Jūlija Vasiļjeva debuted in the title role, which she will also perform in the performance on January 5. Latvian audiences will have the opportunity to witness for the first time the portrayal of Calaf by French-Tunisian tenor Amadi Lagha. Dana Bramane will perform as Liu, and Krišjānis Norvelis as Timur. Performance will be conducted by Mārtiņš Ozoliņš.

Tickets for the anniversary performance on January 5 can be purchased at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet box offices, as well as online. Attendees are welcome to join the conversation with the singers without purchasing separate tickets for this event.

Attention to attendees of the January 5 performance!

The opera house will open at 5:30 PM. From 6:00 PM to 6:40 PM, the café in the Dress Circle Hall will be closed; during this time, we invite you to use the café services in the basement and the Red Hall.