Why is Golda Zahra’s debut in Turandot a must-see event?

Fresh off her sold-out concert spectacular at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, LA Music Center’s Spotlight Award winner Golda Zahra is excited to announce her upcoming performance as part of the Pacific Music Festival’s Puccini 100th celebration. Golda will debut the role of Liu in Turandot alongside a world-class ensemble of 200 performers, including The Opera Choir of Los Angeles, The Dream Orchestra led by renowned conductor Maestro Daniel Suk, and a delegation of singers from the Han China Opera Conservatory of Music, headed by Chinese opera star and soprano, Yanwen Han. The group is traveling from China for the concert.

Turandot is Giacomo Puccini’s final operatic masterpiece, made famous by the aria “Nessun Dorma” performed by legendary tenors like Luciano Pavarotti. Set in China, the opera follows Prince Calaf and his quest to win Princess Turandot’s hand in marriage. To do so, he must solve three riddles. A wrong answer results in certain death.

WHEN: Friday, August 16 at 7:30pm
WHERE: Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Music Center, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
TICKETS: DreamOrchestra.org or MusicCenter.org

“I am incredibly excited and grateful to return to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, this time with Maestro Daniel Suk and the Dream Orchestra. Turandot is one of my favorite operas and Liu is one of my favorite roles,” said Golda. “This is going to be a magical evening with operatic artists from all over the world, and it’s truly a full-circle experience.”

A Celebrated Career

Golda Zahra has been hailed as “A promising young opera singer,” by the L.A. Times, and a “Rising Star of the opera world,” by the Hollywood Times. She has performed as a soloist with orchestras including The Southwest Symphony, Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, and LA Opera under the baton of James Conlon. She is the recipient of the prestigious Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Award.

As a high school student, Golda performed at the Walt Disney Hall where she earned the Spotlight Award, making this upcoming performance in downtown Los Angeles another full-circle moment for her. Although she lives in Italy and has studied opera overseas since graduation, Golda said coming home to sing has been a dream come true. “Being able to sing at the Walt Disney Hall again is a true homecoming for me. I’ve learned so much over the last 10 years since my first time at the hall — I’m a completely different person and different singer so I’m excited to share my love for opera once again in Los Angeles,” Golda said.

International Collaboration

“Liu is one of the protagonists of the show, so I’m really excited for this concert version of Turandot,” Golda said. “I’m really looking forward to the collaboration of the many different artists and cultures sharing a love for opera.”

Golda Zahra’s upcoming performance is a testament to the power of music to bring people together. “To sing with other colleagues my age, especially with some from another country is amazing because it shows how powerful music is and how much it could bring people together,” Golda said. “It warms my heart to be able to see this come to fruition at the beginning of my career, I would love to have more collaborations like this in the future.”

The upcoming concert gala production of Puccini’s Turandot with Dream Orchestra led by Maestro Daniel Suk will be held August 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Music Center at 111 S. Grand Ave.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that thrives on its cultural diversity and artistic expression. For those visiting the city, attending a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must. The hall itself is an architectural marvel, designed by Frank Gehry, and provides an acoustically perfect environment for enjoying world-class performances.

Travel Tip for Occasional Travelers: If you’re planning to attend a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, consider arriving early to explore the surrounding area. The LA Music Center is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, close to other cultural landmarks such as the Broad Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Travel Tip for Expert Travelers: For those who have a deeper interest in opera and classical music, consider planning your visit around one of the many music festivals held in Los Angeles throughout the year. The Pacific Music Festival, in particular, offers a unique opportunity to experience performances by international artists and ensembles.

Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Golda Zahra’s performance in Turandot promises to be an unforgettable experience. The blend of international talent and the celebration of Puccini’s legacy make this event a highlight in Los Angeles’s rich cultural calendar. We hope you enjoy the magic of opera in this vibrant city!