NZ Opera Season: Madame Butterfly
Date: 18th April - 18th May 2013
Location: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland & St James Theatre, Wellington
Host: NZO
Culture Clash
Love and honour resonate with thunderous force in Puccini’s tender love story between a Japanese geisha and her naval officer as Japan opened up to the West and the 20th century.
One of the world’s best-loved operas, Puccini’s masterpiece contains many of the most recognisable tunes in opera, including the “Humming Chorus” and “One Fine Day”. This exquisite new production combines beauty with unflinching emotional honesty.
Discover why Cio-Cio San and her Lieutenant Pinkerton are among the world’s ten most-loved operatic couples.
The Cast
This new production stars Australian soprano Antoinette Halloran (who sang Mimi in La Bohème in 2008) in the title role with Italian tenor Piero Pretti as Pinkerton, and English baritone Peter Savidge as the American Consul Sharpless.
The Story
Fifteen-year-old Cio-Cio San (known as Butterfly) is enchanted by her handsome lover, who marries her and then leaves shortly after, returning to his homeland. Butterfly bears his child and faithfully waits for him to come back; but when he does, it is with his new American bride. Even the hard-hearted Pinkerton can’t face telling her that the marriage is over and she’s about to lose her son into the bargain.
Accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
and Orchestra Wellington.
Featuring the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
A New Zealand Opera production
Website: http://nzopera.com/2013/madame-butterfly#introduction
