Orchestra: The Atlanta Opera Orchestra Conductor: Iván López-Reynoso Production Director: Tomer Zvulun Cast: Angela Meade (Turandot), Jonathan Burton (Calaf), Juliana Grigoryan (Liù), Peixin Chen (Timur) Programme: – Giacomo Puccini: Turandot (Centennial production with restructured Act III) Date: 1 May 2026 Time: 18:30 ET / 22:30 GMT Streaming platform: The Atlanta Opera Film Studio (Paid subscription required)
To mark the centennial of its world premiere, The Atlanta Opera presents a new production of Puccini’s Turandot that seeks to resolve the long-standing debate surrounding its unfinished finale. Traditionally performed with the completion by Franco Alfano, the work has often faced criticism for the perceived musical and dramatic shift following the final notes Puccini composed—the death of Liù.
Under the direction of Tomer Zvulun and conductor Iván López-Reynoso, this staging introduces a significant structural shift: the repositioning of the famous Act II aria “In questa reggia.” In this version, the aria is moved to the final act, occurring after Liù’s sacrifice. This change transforms the piece from an introductory exposition of Turandot’s coldness into a visceral response to the tragedy she has just witnessed.
Musically, the production prioritizes Puccini’s original language. Rather than commissioning a new completion, the creative team—including scenic designer Erhard Rom—has reassembled existing material from the score to bridge the final scenes, retaining only five bars of Alfano’s music for the transition. By utilizing themes associated with “Nessun dorma,” the production aims to maintain musical continuity, ensuring that the final emotional weight of the evening remains grounded in Puccini’s own harmonic world.
Disclaimer
We recommend this performance for its artistic value. Moto Perpetuo does not receive any benefit or commission from streaming platforms. A subscription to the Digital Concert Hall may be required to view the full content.
Subscribe to our newsletter