Media contact: Cameron MacRae, Director of Marketing & Communications
780-984-3634; cameron.macrae@edmontonopera.com
Passion, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of love come together in Edmonton Opera’s season-opening production of Puccini’s Turandot this October. Acclaimed director Robert Herriot is at the helm of reviving Puccini’s final work, and promises a visually stunning and immersive interpretation of this familiar masterpiece.
Set in the dreamlike landscape of ancient China, the opera depicts prince Calaf’s tenacity to woo the cold-hearted princess Turandot. The princess infamously tests her suitors with complex riddles that have remained unsolved, and punishes their failures with death. Calaf, mesmerized by Turandot’s beauty, accepts the challenge and risks everything for love.
Soprano Othalie Graham makes her Canadian debut as Turandot, a role she has reprised several times in various productions across North America and beyond. Her interpretation of Turandot has garnered immense critical acclaim, and Graham is known to “unleash a potent and superbly controlled sound” (San Francisco Chronicle).
David Pomeroy, praised by The New York Times as “a powerful, agile tenor”, returns to Edmonton Opera in his role debut of Calaf, the ultimate operatic hero. Pomeroy brings this combination of strength and sublimity to his rendition of ‘Nessun dorma’, one of Opera’s most famous arias. He prepared for his role debut with renowned Italian-Canadian tenor Ermanno Mauro, who also sang Calaf with Edmonton Opera in 1981.
With an array of stellar talent on stage, the opulent production design, and Puccini’s remarkable composition, this opera is sure to enthrall audiences. “We are thrilled to present an all-Canadian dream cast for this production of Turandot; with spectacular scenery, elegant costumes, and over 80 performers filling the Jubilee stage,” says Tim Yakimec, General Director of Edmonton Opera.
Turandot will be sung in Italian with projected English translation. Performances are on Saturday, Oct. 22 (8 p.m.), Tuesday, Oct. 25 (7:30 p.m.), and Thursday, Oct. 27 (7:30 p.m.) at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets start at $40, and special pricing for patrons under 40 is available through our Explorers and Encore programs.
The media preview for Turandot will be on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, at 7 p.m. Good visuals occur at the top of the show at 7 p.m. and throughout the first act. Interviews with the cast and creative team may be arranged with advanced notice.
Please RSVP your outlet’s attendance to Cameron MacRae, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 780-984-3634 or cameron.macrae@edmontonopera.com.