Opera Carolina Music Director and Principal Conductor Stefano Vignati has been selected to conduct the opening for Centennial Puccini celebration held in China.
The event, running between December 30, 2025, and January 11, 2026, centers around a new staging of Puccini’s beloved ‘Turandot’ which blends Western and Eastern elements, titled ‘Turandot Centenario.’ Coming in collaboration between the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago and the China-based We Opera Company, this production will be hosted at venues through the country such as Xiamen Banlam Grand Theatre, Wuhan Qintai Grand Theatre, and Chongqing Grand Theatre, among others.
Among the artists are Misha Sheshaberidze, Anastasya Boldireva, and other performers from Italy. Staging is done by Ezio Frigerio, with costumes by Franca Sqaurciapino.
Vignati will also lead a group of patrons on a travel tour to some of China’s theaters as they attend performances and experience the culture. Trips are curated by A Culinary Society CEO and Founder Trish Ellington.