Two internationally acclaimed opera singers will headline the Classique Foundation’s production of Puccini’s final opera, Turandot, which will be staged on May 30 at the Astra Theatre in Victoria.
The production will commemorate the centenary of the opera’s world premiere, first presented on April 25, 1926, at Teatro alla Scala in Milan under the baton of Arturo Toscanini.
The demanding title role of Princess Turandot will be performed by German soprano Maida Hundeling, a singer widely praised for her “fierce and dramatic soprano sound with ringing top notes”. Critics have also described her as a “charismatic and sophisticated soprano singer in her prime, expressing emotions with secure and beautiful singing in all registers”.
Hundeling has established herself internationally in some of the most challenging roles of the dramatic soprano repertoire. Her roles include Turandot, Elisabeth and Venus (Tannhäuser), Elsa and Ortrud (Lohengrin), Senta (Der fliegende Holländer), Sieglinde, Brünnhilde, Isolde, Elektra, Salome, Ariadne, Leonora (Fidelio), Marie (Wozzeck), Aida and Abigaille (Nabucco).
She has appeared in major opera houses and festivals worldwide, including the Arena di Verona, Staatsoper Hamburg, Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Teatro Verdi in Trieste, the Royal Opera House in London and Houston Grand Opera.
Earlier this year, she performed Turandot at Covent Garden under the direction of Daniel Oren, where her portrayal was described as “a terrifying, unpredictable firecracker of a princess”, recalling “the virtues of an older, Germanic tradition” and evoking comparisons with legendary interpreters of the role.
“Hundeling has established herself internationally in some of the most challenging roles of the dramatic soprano repertoire”
The role of Calaf will be sung by the renowned Spanish tenor Jorge de León, a regular guest at the world’s leading opera houses. His appearances include Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the Arena di Verona, Teatro Regio in Turin, the Vienna State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin and Staatsoper Hamburg.
His repertoire includes major roles in Aida, Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut, Otello, Il Trovatore, Le Cid, Jerusalem, Un ballo in maschera, La Forza del Destino, Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. One of the most significant milestones in his career was his interpretation of Calaf in Turandot in 2012 under the baton of Zubin Mehta.
Besides Mehta, de León has collaborated with some of the most distinguished conductors of our time, including Lorin Maazel, Daniel Oren, Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, Marco Armiliato, Gianandrea Noseda, Nicola Luisotti and Francesco Ivan Ciampa.
Joseph Debrincat will be conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra together with the Coro dell’Opera di Parma, the Classique Opera Chorus and the Classique Children’s Choir.
Stage direction is by Salvo Dolce, whereas Matteo Capobianco is responsible for both the set and costume design.
This production is supported by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Visit Malta, NDSF, the Social Causes Fund and other distinguished sponsors.
Tickets are available here.