Madama Butterfly is the story of an innocent young Japanese girl, who - as her nickname foreshadows - is crushed by one of opera’s most callous cads, naval officer Lieutenant Pinkerton, who promises her a forever love. She is willing to give up her family and her religion to become a good “American” wife. From the ecstatic love duet on their wedding night, to the famous “humming chorus,” as she and her servant Suzuki await Pinkerton’s return, to the anguish of her suicide to preserve her honor - this deeply moving opera will resonate long after the last note has sounded. Performed by a star-studded cast of singers, orchestra and chorus, led by conductor Fabio Luisi, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is this season’s stunning opera in concert.
Madama Butterfly is the story of an innocent young Japanese girl, who - as her nickname foreshadows - is crushed by one of opera’s most callous cads, naval officer Lieutenant Pinkerton, who promises her a forever love. She is willing to give up her family and her religion to become a good “American” wife. From the ecstatic love duet on their wedding night, to the famous “humming chorus,” as she and her servant Suzuki await Pinkerton’s return, to the anguish of her suicide to preserve her honor - this deeply moving opera will resonate long after the last note has sounded. Performed by a star-studded cast of singers, orchestra and chorus, led by conductor Fabio Luisi, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is this season’s stunning opera in concert.