Lecture Access

This lecture will be available to view until 1 June 2026

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OVERVIEW

Watch on Demand | Online Lecture


First performed at La Scala in 1926, Giacomo Puccini's final and most mysterious opera, Turandot, was completed after his death by Franco Alfano. 

Drawing inspiration from ancient Persian and Central Asian traditions, the opera centres on Princess Turandot, who uses three riddles to challenge her suitors, executing those who fail. This isn't merely a form of cruel entertainment but a display of power, fear and for Turandot, self preservation. When the unknown Prince Calàf accepts the challenge and succeeds, the story shifts: Turandot must confront vulnerability, desire, and the limits of authority rooted in fear.

Set in a fictional imperial China, Turandot is filled with symbolism—public rituals, anonymity, naming, and silence—accompanied by some of Puccini’s most vivid orchestral scores and famous arias like Nessun dorma. The opera delves into unresolved themes, contrasting love that is freely given with love that is forced, and contemplating change through domination or empathy.

In this lecture, Sandy Burnett examines Turandot, its cultural significance, and the enduring impact of art that remains unfinished.

LECTURER

Biography

Sandy Burnett is one of the UK’s most authoritative broadcasters in the field of classical music. His broadcasts, interviews, and lectures are all underpinned by the hands-on experience of being a practising musician. Since 2017, Sandy has been an accredited Arts Society lecturer, his talks aimed at unlocking the worlds of classical music and jazz to general arts-loving audiences; his busy diary of speaking engagements takes him right across the world. After studying at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge and working as music director for the RSC, National Theatre and in London’s West End, Sandy spent a decade as one of the core team of presenters on BBC Radio 3; his broadcasting work was admired and appreciated by many classical music lovers.

Sandy Burnett

Musician & Broadcaster