They realize just how young he is, and how cruel it would be to cut his life short. The crowd eagerly calls for the sharpening of the executioner’s blade and begs for the moon to arrive, which will trigger the night’s killing.īut when the Prince of Persia is brought out, the crowd softens.

Their joyful reunion is interrupted by the court’s proceedings. Liu has been caring for Timur ever since then, all because Calaf once smiled at her in court. He realizes that Timur is in fact his long-lost father, who used to rule this kingdom until he was overthrown in battle. The exiled prince Calaf is drawn by Timur and Liu’s distress. An old man, Timur, is knocked down in the commotion Liu, a slave who cares for him, cries out in alarm. One of her failed suitors - the Prince of Persia - is to be killed that very night, which stirs the crowd into an excited frenzy. One wrong answer, and they’ll be executed. Despite the mortal risk, the exiled prince Calaf is determined to try and win her heart.Ī court official reads out a declaration: any prince who wishes to marry Princess Turandot must answer three riddles. That’s why all her suitors must answer three riddles – and if they get even one wrong, they face the executioner’s blade. Princess Turandot knows that marriage can be a dangerous commitment. In this production, the names of the three ministers have been changed. With the COC Orchestra & Chorus, and the Canadian Children’s Opera Company New COC co-production with Teatro Real Madrid, Houston Grand Opera and the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Vilnius Liù Joyce El-Khoury*** /Vanessa Vasquez** Director, Design, and Lighting Concept Robert WilsonĪssistant Directors Fani Sarantari & Marilyn Gronsdal

Puccini opera popularized by pavarotti