Turandot
Puccini's lavish tale of riddles, beheading and love at the Chinese imperial court, introduced live from New York Metropolitan Opera by Margaret Juntwait. Based on a fairy tale by Carlo Gozzi , the story of the icy Princess Turandot and her ruthless search for a suitor is intertwined with the tragic devotion of slave-girl Liu to the man who seeks Turandot's hand.
Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Richard Armstrong
7.05 Beyond the Gilded Stage
Daniel Snowman discovers how opera came to New York - and why it stayed.
7.25 Act 2
8.25 Interval: Met Opera Quiz
Send questions to Met Opera Quiz, 30 Lincoln Center, New York, New York 10023. or via www.bbc.co.uk/radio.
8.50 Act 3
RT DIRECT: Puccini's Turandot (2CDs). with Birgit Nilsson , Renato Scotto and the Rome Opera Orchestra conducted by Francesco Mollinari-Pradelli is available for E22.00 including P&P-To order please send a cheque payable to Selections to: [address removed] or call the orderline on 0[number removed]25 (national rate), or visit www.selections.com/rtdirect Quote ref [number removed]. UK delivery only