In March, Turandot by Giacomo Puccini will be presented in Krasnoyarsk as part of two festivals: the regional Theatrical Spring (March 26) and the 15th International Festival Stars Parade at the Opera. Slovtsov (March 27). The production will feature performers from both Russia and Azerbaijan.

On March 26, leading soloist of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, Aliona Diyanova, will celebrate her birthday—and mark the occasion by performing the title role on the Krasnoyarsk stage. Well known to local audiences, she has sung Turandot here since the production’s premiere and is always warmly received.

On March 27, the principal roles will be performed by guest artists also familiar to Krasnoyarsk audiences. The formidable Chinese princess will be portrayed by Irina Vashchenko of the Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre. Taking on the challenge of Turandot’s riddles, Ivan Gyngazov will appear as Calaf, representing the Helikon Opera.

At the conductor’s stand will be People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Fakhraddin Kerimov, a conductor of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra. Although Maestro Kerimov frequently performs in Russia, this will be his first appearance in Krasnoyarsk.