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A Captivating Tale of Love and Sacrifice: Puccini’s ‘Turandot’ on WHRO FM 90.3

This Saturday at 1:00 p.m., tune in to WHRO FM 90.3 for a breathtaking performance of Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot,” recorded live at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion by the Los Angeles Opera. This production captures the dramatic story of the cold-hearted Princess Turandot and her suitors, set against an exotic backdrop that showcases Puccini’s masterful composition and the vivid visual artistry of British designer David Hockney.

The cast delivers extraordinary performances, with Angela Meade’s formidable portrayal of Turandot, Russell Thomas’s resonant and powerful Calaf, and Guanqun Yu’s heart-wrenching Liù. Their voices, combined with the powerful presence of the chorus and the supporting cast, create an unforgettable experience.

“Turandot” is renowned for its majestic music, including the iconic aria "Nessun Dorma," which has become synonymous with the very essence of opera. The opera concludes with a powerful climax that, while completed by composer Franco Alfano after Puccini's death, remains one of opera’s great mysteries — leaving us to wonder what Puccini himself might have created.

Don't miss this chance to experience the splendor of "Turandot," with its stunning arias, dramatic confrontations, and the unforgettable finale that continues to captivate audiences. Join us on WHRO FM 90.3, or online, this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to be swept away by the magic of Puccini’s operatic masterpiece.

COMPOSER:Giacomo Puccini
LIBRETTO: Giuseppe Adami / Renato Simoni
VENUE: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
PRESENTING COMPANY: LA Opera
CAST:
Turandot: Angela Meade
Calaf:Russell Thomas
Liù:Guanqun Yu
Timur: Morris Robinson
Ping: Ryan Wolfe
Pang:Terrence Chin-Loy
Pong:Julius Ahn
A Mandarin: Alan Williams
Emperor Altoum:Ashley Faatoalia
ENSEMBLE:LA Opera Orchestra and Chorus
CONDUCTOR: James Conlon
As the Assistant Radio Producer at WHRO FM 90.3, Aurora contributes to the production of our classical music programs, extending her expertise to both WHRO and WHRV. Her journey in media began at a regional radio station in Valencia, Spain, before transitioning to television, where she spent nearly 20 years producing a variety of formats, from news to game shows and reality TV. In 2023, Aurora relocated to Hampton Roads, bringing her diverse media experience to this vibrant community and becoming an integral part of the WHRO team.