Puccini’s Turandot may be performed at Yerevan’s Republic Square

PanARMENIAN.Net - Art director and conductor of Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra Eduard Topchjan wants to feature the performance of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot opera at Yerevan’s Republic Square.

On July 3 and 6, Aram Khachaturian concert hall will host the concert version of the opera.

As the conductor noted, to fulfill that idea, a sum of several thousand of U.S. dollars is necessary, which could be procured only through the help of sponsors.

Other than that, he noted, necessary conditions, including the staging and excellent performers are secured.

Turandot was unfinished at the time of Puccini's death in 1924 and was completed by Franco Alfano in 1926.The first performance of the opera was held at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan on April 25, 1926 and conducted by Arturo Toscanini. This performance included only Puccini's music and not Alfano's additions. The first performance of the opera as completed by Alfano was the following night, 26 April, although it is disputed whether this was conducted by Toscanini again or by Ettore Panizza.