Royal Opera

Madama Butterfly

In Cinemas 27, 28 April & 1 May 2024
Conductor
Kevin John Edusei
Orchestra
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Cast
Asmik Grigorian (Cio-Cio-San), Joshua Guerrero (Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton), Lauri Vasar (Sharpless), Hongni Wu (Suzuki), Ya-Chung Huang (Goro), Jeremy White (The Bonze), Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Prince Yamadoro), Veena Akama-Makia (Kate Pinkerton)
Composer
Giacomo Puccini
Director
Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier
Set Design
Christian Fenouillat
Duration
Approx. 3h15 including an interval
Sung in Italian, with English subtitles
Captured live from Covent Garden, London 26 Mar 2024
Official Event Listing
  • Outstanding. This is everything opera should be. Grigorian's performance was heart-rending and along with most of the audience, there were tears in my eyes at the end.
    William Hartston, EXPRESS
    Something special. Asmik Grigorian is the standout attraction. She inhabits the part to a degree one does not often experience.
    Martin Kettle, THE GUARDIAN
    Special. Puccini’s opera is electrified by the star power of soprano Asmik Grigorian: her Cio-Cio-San is one of the most finely realised interpretations of this relentlessly demanding role that one could ever hope to witness. She is the real thing.
    George Hall, THE STAGE
    Asmik Grigorian triumphs in this outstanding revival.
    Neil Fisher, THE TIMES

Opera in three acts (1904)

In one of opera's most moving tales of unrequited love, young geisha Cio-Cio-San (star Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian) gives up everything when she falls in love with an American naval officer, Pinkerton (Joshua Guerrero). But her romantic idyll is forever shattered when her new husband soon deserts her...

Receiving its tenth revival, Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s poignant, painterly production takes inspiration from 19th-century European images of Japan.

With a score that includes Butterfly’s aria, 'Un bel dì, vedremo' (‘One fine day’) and the Humming Chorus, Puccini’s opera is entrancing and ultimately heart-breaking. Whether you're an opera newcomer or a seasoned fanatic, Madama Butterfly is sure to tug at the heart strings.

 

Sydney patrons please note: Due to the recent closure of Palace Verona for building redevelopment, this production will instead screen nearby at Palace Moore Park, located in the Entertainment Quarter precinct in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Advance tickets now on sale.