The Pinnacle Singers present a curious reimagining of Puccini's Turandot

 

 

Announcing: The Pinnacle Singers' Curious Reimagining of Puccini's TURANDOT - Box Office Open Now

 

 

[DeLand and St Augustine, April & May 2025] - DeLand's star-studded vocal ensemble The Pinnacle Singers are thrilled to announce their return with a bold reimagining of Puccini’s iconic opera TURANDOT. This groundbreaking and curious retelling will be performed in a limited-run at Central Florida locations in April and May and approaches this operatic score with an exciting Broadway sensibility.  This iconic work has been radically revised and reformed: it will be sung in English and performed in unexpected spaces offering audiences unprecedented access to a timeless masterpiece in an exciting new way. Box Office open now at www.thepinnaclesingers.com 

 

 

 

An Unforgettable, Up-Close Experience

 

 

 

This extraordinary production starring Cass Panuska, Torlef Borsting, and Ashley Nunez accompanied by Giles Howe is not confined to a traditional opera house. Instead, it will be presented in a series of unexpected and intimate settings including:

 

 

 

- A Secret Rural Florida Pop-Up Venue: Experience an unparallelled night where culture meets nature in a truly exclusive performance - only 25 tickets available - set against the unique backdrop of a rural sunset on a farm not far from the center of DeLand in a unique location to be disclosed only to ticket holders! April 19th 2025

 

 

- A Downtown Cocktail Bar: Enjoy the magic of Puccini's final opera more up-close than ever before in the chic atmosphere of The Lounge at The Artisan Hotel in Downtown DeLand, the same venue where The Pinnacle Singers debuted. Be one of just 40 to enjoy a one-night-only exclusive performance with a full Cuban menu available and cocktails inspired by ancient China. April 20th 2025

 

 

-Romanza Festivale: Experience Turandot performed in the sanctuary of the Ancient City Baptist Church as part of St. Augustine's annual celebration of its rich history and connection to culture - one of Florida's most anticipated cultural events. May 9th 2025

 

 

- Northwest Square:  Spend an evening enjoying the show and discovering DeLand's trendiest entertainment and cultural hub where you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks in an especially revitalized district. Converted from a former Church, this grand venue is the largest in the production's run, so both the most wheelchair accessible and ideal for larger group bookings. May 10th 2025

 

 

 

 

Exceptional Musicianship and Innovative Interpretation

 

 

 

Audiences can expect exceptional musicianship: The Pinnacle Singers have infused TURANDOT with fresh energy, delivering a performance that marries traditional operatic excellence with contemporary flair, an innovative approach, and daring vision. This is an opportunity for local audiences to experience:

 

 

- A radically revised interpretation that breathes new life into a classic legend

 

- High-quality musicianship showcasing impressive and athletic vocal talent

 

- ‎An intimate, immersive atmosphere in venues that challenge convention and expectation

 

 

 

A Unique Invitation

 

 

 

This limited-run event is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness this opera redefined, performed by a cast of stellar vocalists, in unique settings. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer this innovative production promises to be a cultural milestone.

 

 

 

"Why should you have to travel miles out of town to experience a magical opera when there is incredible talent right here in DeLand?" says Giles Howe, founding member of The Pinnacle Singers who will be accompanying Cass, Torlef and Ashley on the piano with an all-new arrangement. "There are many unconventional venues to explore, offering wonderful ways to create magical local experiences sharing the music we love. We seek to create unforgettable and uniquely local experiences to make everlasting memories." 

 

 

Dramatic soprano Cass Panuska playing the titular role continues "TURANDOT has an ambitious score and is a ferocious role. We are so excited to bring her out of her home in the opera house to visit unexpected spaces she's never been to before!"

 

 

Maniacal characters who earnestly fling themselves at poor choices without any regard to consequences of their actions are at the center of this epic drama, its score is widely considered a masterpiece. TURANDOT, whose recognizable pieces include the favorite tenor aria 'Nessun Dorma', is Puccini's final Opera. It is based on a legend set in ancient China about an intimidating princess betrothed to whichever prince can successfully solve her three riddles: one wrong answer would, to the princess' delight, seal the prince's doom...? making the princess a formidable match and a danger to engage. 

 

 

Staying true to their ethos of bringing high-quality music to the community, The Pinnacle Singers are holding their dress rehearsal of TURANDOT at Grand Villa senior assisted living and memory care facility so residents can enjoy a performance. "An important part of what we are doing is taking opera not only into new places and to new audiences but also out into the community" shares Torlef Borsting, staring as Prince Calaf.

 

 

Each member of The Pinnacle Singers have enjoyed international performing careers before moving to DeLand... and discovering they are neighbors! Through their shared love of music, their desire to create musical opportunities for local talent, and their passion to share quality musicianship with the local community The Pinnacle Singers project was born. Debuting a new cabaret monthly at a residency at The Artisan in DeLand last winter, they quickly became a hit selling out every show to capacity. Taking some time away to enjoy the Summer and prepare something new, they are very excited to be back together for these exclusive performances - presenting their most ambitious show yet.

 

 

The Pinnacle Singers members are RTN Best Voice Award winner Giles Howe; First Coast Opera and Opera Orlando star Cass Panuska; her husband Hawaiian dramatic baritone Torlef Borsting; and soprano Ashley Nunez who has featured with Torlef consecutively at the prestigious annual Savannah voice festival and was a faculty member at Stetson University.

 

 

Tickets have just been made available online to The Pinnacle Singers' Curious Reimagining of Puccini's TURANDOT and are limited in number so act quickly to secure your place at an event that promises to be as extraordinary as it is unforgettable.

 

 

Visit www.thepinnaclesingers.com to book your tickets now and for additional information.