Showcase of Talent: Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot Brings Back Live Opera at the CCP

Turandot’s gala is on December 9, with a matinee performance on December 11.

Renowned Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot, will begin live opera’s return to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) after the pandemic started. Leading the cast of the show is Italian Director Maestro Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini. Turandot’s gala is on December 9, with a matinee performance on December 11.

Travaglini was also the man behind the CCP productions Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’ Amore (2017) and Lucia di Lammermoor (2020). Prince Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath joins him as assistant director. Maestro Valentino Favoino leads the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra along with the choral ensembles of the Turandot Opera Chorus and Tiples of Mandaluyong Children’s Choir.

(L-R) Rachelle Gerodias who plays Liu, A Young Slave; Alessandro Liberatore who plays Prince Calaf; Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines, His Excellency Marco Clemente; Director, Set, and Costume Designer Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini; Byeong In Park who

plays Ping, Grand Chancellor

Meanwhile, Giovanni Pirandello serves as the lighting designer. As for the cast, Italian tenor and artist Alessandro Liberatore will take on the Prince Calaf role, while Korean soprano, Lilla Lee, will play Princess Turandot. Bass Jinsu Lee plays Timur, the exiled Tartar king.

Ivan Nery who plays Pong, Grand Intendant; Ervin Lumauag who plays Pang, Grand Administrator; Rachelle Gerodias who plays Liu, A Young Slave; and Byeong In Park who plays Ping, Grand Chancellor

Filipino talent will also be showcased in Turandot, including Soprano Rachelle Gerodias (as Liu), Byeong In Park (as Ping the Grand Chancellor), tenor Ervin Lumauag (as Pang the Grand Administrator), and tenor Ivan Nery (as Pong the Grand Intendant).

Director, Set, and Costume Designer Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini and Rustan Group of Companies Chairman and CEO Zenaida Tantoco

In addition are tenor Nomher Nival (as Emperor Altoum) and baritone Greg de Leon (as Mandarino). The dance ensemble will be members of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.

To inquire and purchase, contact any of the following:

Lulu Casas 09175708301; [email protected]

Maricar Alamodin 09175384508; [email protected]

Images courtesy of CCP.

Banner image from @culturalcenterph on Instagram.