<i>Turandot</i> to mark operatic anniversary

The Leone Philharmonic Society is staging Puccini's opera Turandot, at the Aurora opera theatre in Victoria on October 26 at 7.30 p.m. under the patronage of President Guido de Marco.

The performance is being held to mark the 25th anniversary of opera in Gozo.

Turandot is mostly known because of the aria Nessun Dorma, used as a World Cup theme. The Leone Philharmonic society entered the operatic field 25 years ago, in January, 1977 when the opera Madame Butterfly, also penned by Puccini, was staged.

Two operatic big names are going to participate: Eva Marton and Nicola Martinucci.

Marton made her debut in Vienna in 1983 and in a relatively short period of time she was labelled by established critics as the world's top Turandot.

On the other hand, Martinucci, who is to play the role of Calaf, is one of Italy's best tenors. He has a worldwide reputation and has performed in the operas Aida in Egypt and Tosca in Verona.

As in the past, the organisers have also given ample space to Maltese talent. Gozitan soprano Rita Dimech will play the part of Liu while Albert Buttigieg will play Timur, Calaf's father. Other members of the cast are tenors Angelo Scardina, Charles Vincenti and Elias Cassar, and baritone Joe Huber.

Musical direction is in the hands of Colin Attard, Aurora's resident director, backed by the National Orchestra, the Aurora Opera Chorus and members of the Leone Band. Costumes are being brought over from Italy for the occasion from the Casa d'Arte Pippi di Palermo. The scenery and stage management have been entrusted to Denis Mompalao and Teddie Mizzi, whilst Novella Tabili and Frankie Bajada are the artistic director and production co-ordinator respectively.

Booking is open. Tickets may be purchased from the Aurora Theatre, D' Amato Records in Valletta and Sliema, John Portelli Enterprises in Valletta and Mellieha sub post office.

http://www.leone.org.mt/turandot