1981 Turandot

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Glynn Ross directed the October 1981 Turandot himself, starring Valkyrie and future Brünnhilde Linda Kelm (as the alternate Turandot). No effort was spared in creating a scenario worthy of an MGM Bible movie. The stage was filled with imperial guards, executioners’ assistants, children, priests, mandarins, dignitaries, wise men, attendants, soldiers, standard bearers, Shades of the Departed, and extras wearing tall headdresses. The finale was climaxed by descending paper streamers, colorful baubles, and showers of glitter.
  • William Harness (Calaf) and Galina Savova (Turandot) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Guillermina Higareda (Liù) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • William Wildermann (Timur) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • William Harness (Calaf) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Galina Savova (Turandot) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Steven Tachell (Ping), Leonard Eagleson (Pang), Jon Gruett (Pong) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Richard Vale (Emperor Altoum) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • William Harness (Calaf) and Guillermina Higareda (Liù) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • William Harness (Calaf) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • William Harness (Calaf) and Galina Savova (Turandot) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • Steven Tachell (Ping), Leonard Eagleson (Pang), Jon Gruett (Pong) in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © Chris Bennion
  • David McLean, longtime super at Seattle Opera, was the Prince of Persia in in Puccini’s Turandot, 1981 © David McLean