Puccini’s Turandot Returns To Malaysian Stage After Over Two Decades

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Giacomo Puccini’s celebrated opera Turandot returns to the Malaysian stage after more than two decades, with performances scheduled from Oct 17 to 25 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC).

In a statement on its website, the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur said it was supporting Kuala Lumpur City Opera’s (KLCO) production as part of celebrations for the 2026 Week of the Italian Language in the World.

Under the musical direction of Italian conductor Maestro Alessandro Mazzocchetti, the production will bring together Malaysian and international artists, featuring a 50-piece orchestra, a 70-member chorus and a cast of principal singers.

Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Raffaele Langella said the initiative forms part of the embassy’s ongoing efforts to promote the Italian language and culture in Malaysia.

“Opera, one of the most representative expressions of Italy’s artistic heritage, offers an exceptional means of promoting the Italian language, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries through the universal power of music and theatre,” he said.

Langella said Mazzocchetti’s involvement in the production, which brings together Malaysian and international artists, highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting artistic exchanges and strengthening ties between Italy and Malaysia.

Directed by Amelia Tan, the production will feature a creative collaboration with Malaysian fashion house Behati, offering a contemporary visual interpretation of Puccini’s final opera.

Turandot will be performed in Italian with English and Chinese subtitles, making it accessible to both seasoned opera enthusiasts and first-time viewers.

-- BERNAMA