Puccini made easy

Giacomo Puccini died before finishing the final two scenes of “Turandot,” an opera set in an exoticized version of 18th Century China. Another composer completed it using Puccini's sketches, and the first performance, led by conductor Arturo Toscanini, happened at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 1926.

Enjoy “Turandot” on the big screen at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, May 14, as part of “The Met: Live in HD” series.

Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska, who starred in live transmissions of Verdi’s “Aida” and “Nabucco” in previous seasons, sings the title role as the icy princess.

Franco Zeffirelli’s extravagant production — with spectacular sets and stage pageantry — also features South Korean tenor Yonghoon Lee as Calàf, the bold prince determined to win Turandot’s love, who sings “Nessun dorma,” one of the most famous arias in all of opera. Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho sings Liù, and Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto portrays King Timur.

Italian conductor Marco Armiliato leads Puccini’s stirring score.

The live transmission is hosted by American soprano Nadine Sierra, currently starring in the title role of the Met’s new production of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” which will be the next Live in HD production on Saturday, May 21.

“Turandot” begins at 2 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W. Olive Street. Tickets range from $10 to $22. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.