Turandot

Puccini’s final and most monumental opera comes alive in a dazzling new Pacific Opera Project production of Turandot, a visually striking and emotionally charged journey set in a magical world of ice and snow. This frozen kingdom mirrors the heart of its formidable ruler, Princess Turandot, whose cruelty and resolve have turned love into a deadly game. With POP’s signature bold staging and musical excellence, this production delivers grandeur, intensity, and unforgettable drama.

Internationally acclaimed soprano Shannon Jennings stars in the title role, bringing commanding vocal power and dramatic authority to Turandot. Known for her luminous sound and commanding stage presence, Jennings captures both the icy ferocity and hidden vulnerability of the princess, anchoring the opera’s emotional and dramatic arc. Her performance places Turandot at the center of a story about power, fear, and transformation.

Opposite her is Clay Hilley, the 2024 Richard Tucker Award–winning tenor, starring as Prince Calàf. Fearless and determined, Calàf is the mysterious outsider who dares to challenge Turandot’s deadly riddles. Hilley’s performance builds toward one of opera’s most iconic moments: the electrifying aria “Nessun Dorma,” a showstopper that has transcended opera houses worldwide to become one of the most recognizable melodies ever written.

POP favorite Sara Duchovnay brings warmth and emotional depth to the role of Liù, the devoted young woman whose quiet strength and compassion form the emotional heart of the opera. Her portrayal offers a striking contrast to Turandot’s icy resolve, reminding the audience of the cost of cruelty and the power of love and sacrifice.

Set in an ancient kingdom ruled by riddles and fear, Turandot has sworn never to marry, condemning any suitor who fails her three challenges to death. When Calàf accepts her test, the rigid structure of her world begins to fracture. As the story unfolds, courage, devotion, and vulnerability force Turandot to confront the very emotions she has long denied.

Musically, Turandot is Puccini at his most expansive, featuring a large chorus, sweeping orchestral textures, and soaring arias performed with orchestra. The production takes place at the Aratani Theatre, one of Los Angeles’s most beloved cultural venues, located in the heart of Little Tokyo—an ideal setting for this visually rich and immersive fairytale world.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles, Turandot is accessible to first-time opera-goers and longtime fans alike. With its epic score, powerful performances, and striking staging, this Pacific Opera Project production promises an unforgettable night of opera at its most thrilling and emotionally resonant.