BY KAREN BOSSICK
Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot” was his last, left unfinished at his death.
It was based on a work by a 12th century Persian poet but set in China. It features the tale of a prince who must solve three riddles in order to marry a cold princess and, if he guesses any wrong, he will be executed.
When the princess still refuses to marry him, he offers a daring proposition.
Sun Valley Opera and Metropolitan Theatres will kick off the 2019-20 season of MET HD live opera broadcasts on Saturday, Oct. 12, with “Turandot.”
The big screen presentation captures the on-stage and behind-the-scenes action of Franco Zeffirelli’s dazzling production of Puccini’s final masterpiece at the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Soprano Christine Goerke portrays the title princess, performing alongside Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Tenor Yusif Eyvazov sings the part of the mysterious prince Calaf, while soprano Eleonora Buratto stars as Liu and bass-baritone James Morris as Timur.
The production features an unusual score with an innovative use of chorus and orchestra, as well as Puccini’s appealing melodies even though composer Franco Alfano finished it.
The kick-off for the season will be celebrated with complementary muffins and mimosas provided by The Village Market in the lobby at 10 a.m. The screening starts at 11 a.m. Tickets are $16, available at the Big Wood 4 Cinemas in Hailey.
Nine screenings will follow, all beginning at 11 a.m.:
Oct. 26--Massenet-MANON
Nov. 9--Puccini-MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Nov. 23--Glass-AKHNATEN – featuring Zachary James who will perform Jan. 27h for Sun Valley Opera
Jan. 11--Berg-WOZZECK
Feb. 1--Gershwin-PORGY AND BESS
Feb. 29– Handel-AGRIPPINA
March 14--Wagner-DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER
April 11--Puccini-TOSCA
May 9--Donizetti-MARIA STUARDA