EXCERPTS OF "TURANDOT", "AIDA", "CARMEN" AND "DON GIOVANNI"
OPERA HONG KONG
Excerpts from four opera classics, performed by Opera Hong Kong, are featured:
"Turandot" by Giacomo Puccini
“Turandot” is set in ancient Beijing. The emperor is seeking a fearless prince to take Princess Turandot’s hand in marriage with only one condition: the suitor has to solve three riddles posed by the princess; any wrong answers would lead to execution. Prince Calàf is mesmerized by the unforgettable beauty of Turandot and is determined to risk his life to win her heart. Video Clip: Tu che di gel sei cinta (performed by Valeria Sepe)
Conductor – Paolo Olmi
Director – Michael Capasso
Orchestra – Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
"Aida" by Giuseppe Verdi.
“Aida” is a poignant story of a love triangle during a time of war between Egypt and Ethiopia. It features the most intricate and memorable music that Verdi ever wrote, placing the drama above all else: every element becomes a means of dramatic expression, whether the exoticism of the ritual scenes, the breathtaking Triumphal March or the soaring arias, duets and choruses. In Verdi’s own words, Aida is “more intense, more theatrical” than any of his other operas. Video Clip: Triumphal March (performed by Opera Hong Kong Chorus and Shanghai Opera House Dance Ensemble)
Conductor – Xu Zhong
Director – Jean-Louis Grinda
Orchestra – Shanghai Opera House Orchestra and Suzhou Symphony Orchestra
"Carmen" by Georges Bizet.
“Carmen” is a timeless story about passion, destiny but above all freedom — liberty! — and one unforgettable woman who lives and loves by it, a man consumed by her, and the woman who tries to save him. Video Clip: Pres de remparts de Seville (performed by Varduhi Abrahamyan and Jean-François Borras)
Conductor – Yves Abel
Director – Jean-Romain Vesperini
Orchestra – Hong Kong Sinfonietta
"Don Giovanni" by W A Mozart.
“Don Giovanni” is a two-act opera based on the legends of Don Juan, the infamous Spanish womanizer. Affluent and attractive, he sweet talks his way into the beds of countless women. Video Clip: Madamina, il catalogo e questo (performed by Joseph Barron and Louise Kwong)
Conductor – Mārtiņš Ozoliņš
Director – Jean-Louis Grinda
Orchestra – Hong Kong Sinfonietta
