Whether through its phenomenal acoustics or breathtaking architecture, Valencia’s spectacular Calatrava opera house “Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía” – itself a work of art – seems to bring out the best of all who gather there to celebrate artistic creation. And this production of Puccini’s “Turandot” is no exception! Internationally acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige (1993 Golden Palm in Cannes for Farewell My Concubine) delivers an opulent background for the fairy-tale story of the Chinese Princess Turandot, who will marry only a prince of royal blood who can solve her three riddles. With a wealth of sumptuous costumes and palace sets designed and produced in China, Kaige’s staging provides a compellingly authentic accent to Puccini’s exotic orchestral palette.