A Thrilling Turandot Finale in Chongqing for the First Time in HistoryChongqing Grand

Theatre | January 11, 2026

courtesy news image of Xinhua News

A Historic Turandot Finale in ChongqingChongqing Grand Theatre | January 11, 2026

On January 11 in Chongqing, the final night of Turandot marked a historic milestone: it was the first time this iconic opera had ever been performed at the Chongqing Grand Theatre. The house was filled to capacity, and the atmosphere was electric from the overture onward.

Presented in collaboration with the Festival Puccini of Torre del Lago and We Opera Company, and under the leadership of Maestro Stefano Vignati, Music Director and Principal Conductor of Opera Carolina, the production seamlessly combined Italian operatic tradition with nods to local cultural aesthetics. Staging highlighted the story’s mythical China setting while emphasizing the human drama at its core. The orchestra, chorus, and occasional children’s ensemble blended seamlessly under Vignati’s inspired direction, which brought clarity, power, and emotional nuance to every measure of Puccini’s score. From delicate, intimate moments to the opera’s full orchestral climaxes, he shaped the music with instinctive style and precision, supporting the singers and allowing every line to resonate fully with the audience.

The title role of Turandot was powerfully realized by Anastasya Boldireva, whose voice projected authority and dramatic intensity, dominating the stage with icy grandeur. Eva Dorofeeva was gracious and full of pathos as Liu, conveying the character’s selfless devotion with luminous tone and emotional depth. The tenor, Sheshaberize from Georgia, gave a solid if occasionally uneven Calaf, with moments of lyrical beauty and heroic resonance.

Key moments, including the three riddles scene and the climactic resolution, held the audience in rapt attention, reflecting the production’s meticulous attention to both musical and theatrical detail.

This final performance in Chongqing concluded the company’s extensive tour across China, which began at Christmas, presenting Turandot in multiple cities as part of the grand opening of 2026. What made this performance particularly memorable was the sense of shared celebration in the house. The combination of Vignati’s inspired conducting, Boldireva’s commanding Turandot, Dorofeeva’s luminous Liu, and the historic significance of this first-ever performance at the Chongqing Grand Theatre left a lasting impression. Puccini’s story of love, courage, and redemption was delivered with both spectacle and heart, making this Turandot a vivid and moving conclusion to a landmark tour.