Live from Covent Garden
Libretto by GIUSEPPE ADAMI and RENATO ADAMI simoni after CARLO GOZZI 'S fable. Music completed by FRANCO ALFANO with Gwyneth Jones Franco Bonisolli
BBC2 goes live with Radio 3 for a Whit-Monday opera treat from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Andrei Serban 's vivid production of Puccini's savage and exotic opera has been hailed world-wide as a triumph since its premiere in Los Angeles three years ago. Ministers of Princess Turandot:
Royal Opera House Chorus Chorus master Peter Burian Orchestra of the Royal Opera House leader HUGH MAGUIRE conductor Jacques Delacote Introduced by Jane Glover The opera takes place in ancient China. The beautiful but cruel Princess Turandot has sworn that no man shall ever possess her.
Her many suitors are offered a chance: the one who solves the three riddles she poses may marry her. Failure means death by the executioner's knife. Calaf falls in love at first sight and resolves to overcome the Princess's icy reserve.
7.30 Act I
8.5* Interval
The Singers' View of Turandot
Robert Lloyd (Timur in this production) talks to Dame Eva Turner (who first sang
Turandot at La Scala in 1926). Director DONALD STURROCK
8.25* Act II
9.15* Interval
The Birth of a Production
Andrei Serban , Sally Jacobs and Kate Flatt talk to
Humphrey Burton about the research which lies behind their production concept and Edward Greenfield discusses the problems which faced Puccini in his last and unfinished opera. Director KEN CORDEN
9.35* Act III
For the Royal Opera House: Producer ANDREI SERBAN Designer SALLY JACOBS
Lighting F. MITCHELL DANA Choreography KATE FLATT For the BBC:
English subtitles by GILLIAN WIDDICOMBE
Television sound GRAHAM HAINES Radio 3 sound MICHAEL LUCOCK
Television lighting ALAN WOOLFORD Executive producer DENNIS MARKS Director HUMPHREY BURTON
Stage production sponsored by Norwest Hoist Limited (1984)
A simultaneous broadcast with Radio 3. Viewers with stereo Radio 3 may wish to turn off TV sound and position their speakers on either side of the screen, but afew feet away.
Stereo headphones provide a suitable alternative.
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