An idealistic artist, a celebrated singer and a corrupt police chief engage in a fierce battle of wills in this tempestuous tale of cruelty and deception. With its themes of political intrigue, sexual intimidation and official hypocrisy, Puccini’s great melodrama set in 1800 is anything but dated. Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka makes her Company debut in the title role. Baritone Lado Ataneli (Scarpia) and Italian tenor Carlo Ventre make up the other sides of this fatal love triangle. Recorded Summer 2009, War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco.