Søndergård Conducts Puccini’s Turandot
Thu May 1 — Sat May 3, 2025
Orchestra Hall
Although Puccini felt his creative powers were on the decline when he composed his last opera, he doesn’t appear to have run out of ideas. Thomas Søndergård, known for his skill in leading opera, now brings to the Twin Cities the high drama of Puccini’s Turandot, which features the emotionally-riveting aria “Nessun Dorma.” The cast is headlined by star soprano Christine Goerke in the title role.
A Few Things to Know
- “Nessun Dorma” is arguably the world’s most famous aria, performed by opera singers and pop stars of all types. It reached No. 2 on the U.K.’s singles charts in after tenor Luciano Pavarotti’s performance of the aria was used a theme song for the 1990 World Cup.
- Soprano Christine Goerke has been part of numerous Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning recordings, including a recording Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony with Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, which was awarded a 2003 Grammy for Best Classical Recording and Best Choral Performance.
- Italian bass Adolfo Corrado was named BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2023 after ten days of international competition.
- 2024 Herbert von Karajan Prize winner and current BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha credits her mother for recognizing her vocal talent in church and encouraging her to study music.
- Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall
Program
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PUCCINI
Turandot
Artists
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård begins his second season as music director.
Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who in September 2024 begins his second season as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, is a highly regarded conductor in both the orchestral and opera spheres. He has earned a reputation for incisive interpretations of works by composers from his native Denmark, a great versatility in a broad range of standard and modern repertoire, and a collaborative approach with the musicians he leads. His 2024-25 season in Minnesota begins with two weeks of season opening concerts featuring Yunchan Lim and Leila Josefowicz. Other season highlights include performances of Mozart’s Requiem and Puccini’s Turandot, a January festival of music from Nordic countries and the return of the Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute.
Soprano Christine Goerke has appeared in many of the most prestigious opera houses of the world including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera House, Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Real in Madrid and Saito Kinen Festival. She has sung much of the great soprano repertoire, beginning with the Mozart and Handel heroines and now moving into dramatic Strauss and Wagner roles.
Adolfo Corrado has been named BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2023. Born in 1994, he trained theatrically at Augusto Zucchi’s School of Theatre and Film Acting in Rome. He then began his musical studies at the Tito Schipa Conservatory of Music in Lecce, where he specialized under the guidance of Gianluca Belfiori. He continued his training at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino as a Young Artist Project under the coordination of Gianni Tangucci.
Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha is an extraordinary soprano based in Europe and South Africa. Her performances have been described as terrific, outstanding, richly colored, vivid, glorious, ravishing and tantalizing; such performances are acclaimed and never forgotten by audiences and experienced opera lovers.
Rising dramatic tenor Limmie Pulliam has thrilled audiences with his captivating stage presence and his “stentorian, yet beautiful” sound. The 2024-25 season will feature a combination of exciting debuts and returns for Pulliam, including his role debut as Calaf in Turandot for a special benefit concert for University of Houston’s Moore School of Music, followed by further performances of the role in his debut with the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Søndergård.
The Minnesota Chorale has served as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal chorus since 2004 and is now in its 29th season under the leadership of Kathy Saltzman Romey. Founded in 1972, the Chorale is Minnesota’s preeminent symphonic chorus, with a roster of over 200 singers. Best known for its work with the two major orchestras of the Twin Cities, the ensemble is equally dedicated to programs that build and enrich community. A seasoned artistic partner, the Chorale continues to explore new artistic directions and collaborative opportunities, while earning the highest critical acclaim for its work on the concert stage. In 2018, members of the Chorale traveled to South Africa to perform alongside the Minnesota Orchestra in its historic concerts in Soweto and Johannesburg.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
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Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
Sponsored by
The 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.