Turandot

On Friday, 27th March, the Brighton Unitarian Church on New Road is hosting a production of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot. This performance marks the debut of Concerto Lirico, a company that has chosen to present an abridged and semi-staged version of this well-known opera. By condensing the work, the production focuses on the most significant musical moments and the central plot, making it a manageable two-hour evening for those who might find a full-length opera a bit of a commitment. The setting in the church provides a different acoustic and visual backdrop compared to a traditional theatre, which often changes how the audience experiences the vocal performances.

The cast for this production includes Daria Robertson taking on the role of Turandot, with Matthew Connolly as Calaf and Minglu Gao as Liú. The ensemble is completed by Simon Wilson as Timur, Nicholas Buxton as Altoum, and Miguel Berzal de Miguel appearing as the Prince of Persia. Rather than a full orchestral pit, the singers will be accompanied by pianist Rebekka Mago. This stripped-back arrangement usually highlights the technical skill of the performers, as there is less instrumental layering between the singers and the audience. It’s a setup that suits the semi-staged format, where the emphasis is on the storytelling and the music rather than elaborate sets or costumes.

In terms of the schedule, the performance is set to run from 19:00 to 21:00, with the doors opening at 18:45 to allow everyone to find their seats. The church’s location in the centre of Brighton makes it easy to get to, and the timing means the event wraps up early enough for a Friday night. Tickets are available for £15, though there is a £10 option for concessions. You can secure a spot ahead of time through Ticketsource or, if you prefer to decide on the day, tickets will also be available to purchase directly at the door. It’s a practical option for anyone interested in seeing how a smaller company handles such a large-scale piece of classical music in a local, more personal environment.