Metropolitan Opera: 'Turandot'

By Isabel Li

Published May 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT

Act II, Scene 2 of Puccini's "Turandot." Photo: Evan Zimmerman / Met Opera

On Saturday, May 23 at 1 p.m., hear the Metropolitan Opera's broadcast of "Turandot" by Giacomo Puccini.

The Metropolitan Opera's 2025-26 season of Saturday matinee broadcasts continues on May 23 with a performance of "Turandot," Puccini's fairy tale of ancient China.

Italian soprano Anna Pirozzi makes a highly anticipated network broadcast debut in the notoriously demanding title role of the princess who dares men to risk their lives for her hand in marriage. Tenor Brian Jagde stars opposite her as Calàf, the prince who takes up the challenge, determined to win Turandot's heart. They're joined by Angel Blue as the loyal servant Liù and John Relyea as Calàf's father Timur. Oksana Lyniv conducts the Met Orchestra and Chorus in Puccini's spectacular score.

Listen to the broadcast of "Turandot" on Classical IPR at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Read the synopsis from the Metropolitan Opera.

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Northern Michigan native Katherine DeYoung takes the Met Opera stage

DeYoung will take IPR listeners behind the scenes during this season's Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network Season.

Want even more behind-the-scenes access? Each week, Met Opera chorus member Katherine DeYoung brings you exclusive looks at the sets, costumes and fun production facts on our Instagram. Follow @classicalipr on Instagram to catch her video dispatches and get an insider’s perspective.

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Composer: Giacomo Puccini

Libretto: Giuseppe Adami & Renato Simoni

CAST

Turandot: Anna Pirozzi

Calàf: Brian Jagde

Liù: Angel Blue

Timur: John Relyea

Ping: Joo Won Kang

Pang: Tony Stevenson

Pong: Andrew Stenson

Emperor Altoum: Carlo Bosi