Turandot review – Opera Holland Park celebrate 30 years with Puccini’s grand guignol

Opera Holland Park celebrated its 30th anniversary with a concert performance of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot" on June 24, 2026. This marked the company's first staging of the opera, which has been a significant part of their artistic programming over the years, alongside previous productions like "Le Villi" and "Edgar." The performance featured an orchestral reduction by Tony Burke, which was deemed adequate to convey the grandeur of Puccini's score, with sufficient percussion and brass sections. The City of London Sinfonia, comprising 41 musicians, performed under the direction of conductor Naomi Woo. Woo's interpretation was described as fluid and impactful, highlighting subtle details within the music. The cast was led by José de Eça as Calaf, who was part of a strong ensemble. Minor criticisms included the xylophone in the Mandarin's opening and a weak electric organ, but these were considered small issues in the context of the overall high-quality performance.