What I did for love

A glorious example of a 'Grand Opera', Puccini's Turandot returns to San Diego granting audiences another adventure to a mythical China, where a black-hearted Princess watches over the efforts of suitors to win her hand. Setting them often fatal riddles and quests, the Princess is about to get a huge surprise in the form of Calaf, a young man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

Written in 1924, its roots delve far earlier, from a Persian poem from the 12th century. Puccini's version instead transports us to the ancient kingdom of Peking in China.

As the realm faces upheaval, peace depends on her choosing a suitor, but after swearing off men after the violent death of a beloved ancestor, its no easy task for even the most ardent admirer. When the exiled Prince Calaf decides to try his hand at Turandot's mind-bending challenges, it seems the bloodthirsty ruler may have met her match. Don't miss this opulent production that embodies the spirit of this strange tale of ruthlessness and love hard won.