When Piedmont Opera presents a semi-staged concert of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot this month, many in the audience will not only experience a world uncommon even to Puccini, but probably hear the fiery, soaring music for the first time.

“It’s very exciting to add Turandot to this company’s repertoire,” says Jamie Allbritten, Piedmont Opera’s artistic director. “Everybody acknowledges that this is Puccini’s masterpiece, and it was his last, but it’s also a real departure for him. I know it’s the first time we’ve performed the opera, and it’s possibly the first time [it’s been done] in the Triad.”

The story of Turandot is set in Peking in a fairytale time. “While the melodies and sensibilities of Puccini are recognizable, it’s a very different world,” Allbritten adds.

The icy princess Turandot (sung by UNCSA alumna Carter Scott) avoids unwanted marriages by posing three riddles to potential suitors. Failure to answer the riddles correctly means death. Only the mysterious Prince Calaf (José Luis Duval) has the right answers. He goes on to offer a riddle of his own.

“This is one of the best casts of singers and one of the largest orchestras, with 61 musicians, we’ve ever used,” Executive Director Frank Dickerson says. “Anyone who attends is going to have quite a musical experience.”

Performances will be held April 9, 11, and 13 at the Stevens Center (405 W. Fourth St.). Tickets are $7.50–$70. For information on times, tickets, and more, call 336-724-3202 or go to piedmontopera.org