On November 29th, 2024, it will be 100 years since the death of one of the most important Italian composers of all time, Giacomo Puccini.

The main representative of the verismo style, a style named after "vero" - meaning "truth" - reflecting life in all its authenticity on the lyric theater stages, Giacomo Puccini is the author of operas that decisively marked the history of music. His works are still among the most frequently performed titles on opera stage programs worldwide.

On November 29th, starting at 17:00, Luminița Arvunescu and Irina Vasilescu invite you to listen to a special program synthesizing the life and works of Giacomo Puccini, with contributions from some of the most famous opera singers.

Starting from November 30th, every Saturday and Sunday, as part of the programs "Seara de operă" (Opera Evening) and "Opera în interpretări de referință" (Opera in Reference Interpretations), a series will be broadcast featuring the complete chronology of Giacomo Puccini's operas.

Opera Evening, November 30th, 19:00

*"Edgar"with: Renata Scotto, Carlo Bergonzi, Gwendlyn Killebrew, Vincente Sardinero, Mark Munkittrick, Schola Cantorum, and the New York Opera Orchestra, conducted by Eve Queller.

*"Le Villi" with: Renata Scotto, Placido Domingo, Leo Nucci, Tito Gobbi, Ambrosian Choir, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Lorin Maazel.

Opera in Reference Interpretations, December 1st, 20:00

Manon Lescaut with: Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Robert Merrill, Franco Calabrese, Mario Carlin, Anna Maria Rota, Plinio Clabassi, Chorus and Orchestra of the Rome Opera, conducted by Ionel Perlea. Historical recording from 1954.

Opera in Reference Interpretations, December 8th, 20:00

La Bohème with: Ludovic Spiess (Rodolfo), Eugenia Moldoveanu (Mimi), Elvira CîrjeDuică (Musetta), Lucian Marinescu (Schaunard), Pompei Hărăşteanu (Benoit), David Ohanesian (Marcello), Dan Zancu (Colline), Constantin Gabor (Alcindoro), Andrei Borsos (Parpignol), Chorus (prepared by Stelian Olariu) and the Bucharest Opera Orchestra. Conductor: Constantin Petrovici.

Opera Evening, December 14th, 19:00

Tosca with: Virginia Zeani, Corneliu Fânăţeanu, Nicolae Herlea, Chorus and Orchestra of the Bucharest National Opera, conducted by Cornel Trăilescu.

Opera in Reference Interpretations, December 15th, 20:00

Madama Butterfly with: Eugenia Moldoveanu (Cio-Cio-San), Emil Gherman (Pinkerton), Mihaela Agachi (Suzuki), Eduard Tumagian (Sharpless), Ștefan Popescu (Goro), Ioan Soanea (Bonzo/Uncle Yakuside), Corina Circa (Kate Pinkerton), Alexandru Köpeczi (Prince Yamadori), Mircea Moisa (Commissioner), Chorus of the Cluj-Napoca Philharmonic (prepared by Florentin Mihăescu), and the Satu Mare Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Paul Popescu.

Opera Evening, December 21st, 19:00

La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West) with: Carol Neblett, Placido Domingo, Sherril Milnes, Francis Egerton, Robert Lloyd, Chorus and the Royal Opera House Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta.

Opera in Reference Interpretations, December 22nd, 19:00

La Rondine with: Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, William Matteuzzi, Inva Mula, Alberto Rinaldi, London Voices Ensemble, London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Antonio Pappano.

Opera Evening, December 28th, 19:00

*"Il Tabarro" (The Cloak) with: Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, Sherril Milnes, New Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Erich Leinsdorf;

*"Suor Angelica" (Sister Angelica) with: Lucia Popp, Marjana Lipovsek, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, conducted by Giuseppe Patané;

*"Gianni Schicchi" with: Rolando Panerai, Helen Donath, Peter Seifert, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, conducted by Giuseppe Patané.

Opera in Reference Interpretations, December 29th, 19:00

Turandotwith: Maria Slătinaru (Princess Turandot), Ludovic Spiess (Calaf), Teodora Lucaciu (Liù), George Mircea (Altoum), Nicolae Florei (Timur), Octav Enigărescu (Ping), Valentin Teodorian (Pang), Corneliu Fânăţeanu (Pong), Dionisie Konya (A Mandarin), Mircea Ştefănescu (The Persian Prince), Chorus (prepared by Elena Vicică), and the Romanian Radio Television Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Carol Litvin.