This spectacular 'in the round' production of the opera is staged in an enchanting Japanese water garden.
'Not to be missed' Evening Standard
'Beautiful' Sunday Times
'The envy of any opera house anywhere' Sunday Telegraph
No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini's Madam Butterfly. Set in Japan at the turn of the century, this tale of the doomed love of an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride inspired Puccini to write some of his most sublime and beautiful music.
The differences in attitudes and styles of East and West are skillfully woven together in Puccini's ravishing score. The magnificent love duet which closes the first act and Butterfly's celebrated solo 'One Fine Day', in which she shows her unwavering belief that Pinkerton will return to her, are just two of the greatest moments. And when, after several years, Pinkerton eventually returns with his American wife, Butterfly realises she has been betrayed and the opera moves to its powerful and tragic conclusion.
Since its world premiere at the Hall in February 1998, this truly sensational production of Puccini's tragic masterpiece has left an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of over four hundred thousand people, receiving the highest critical acclaim wherever it has been performed. By huge popular demand, Madam Butterfly now returns to London. Once more the floor of the Royal Albert Hall will be flooded with water to create David Roger's stunning design where Madam Butterfly's house is perched on stilts above the shimmering surface of a traditional Japanese water garden.
Madam Butterfly is sung in English using the highly acclaimed translation by Amanda Holden, and is directed by renowned opera and theatre director David Freeman. Oliver Gooch conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a distinguished cast with the title role being shared by Mihoko Kinoshita, Jee Hyun Lim, and Asako Tamura.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductors Oliver Gooch and Gareth Hancock
Director David Freeman
Designer David Roger
Musical Director Oliver Gooch
Lighting Design Andrew Bridge
Sound Design Bobby Aitken
English Translation Amanda Holden
Video
There will be an audio-descibed performance of Madam Butterfly on Saturday 12 March at 2.30pm
Audio description captures the visual elements of a performance for customers who are visually impaired. Expert describers prepare and perform a script, commenting on the set, costumes, movement, body language and facial expressions. The description is performed live and is received through a discreet headset during appropriate moments, so as not to detract from the performance.
To book tickets and for further information, please call the Box Office on 0845 401 5045.
Cio-Cio San - Mihoko Kinoshita (A), Jee Hyun Lim (B), Asako Tamura (C)
Pinkerton - Philip O'Brien (A), James Edwards (B), Robyn Lyn Evans (C)
Suzuki - Nina Yoshida Nelsen (A), Marcia Bellamy (B & C)
Sharpless - Louis Otey (A), Richard Morrison (B & C)
The Bonze - Simon Kirkbride
Goro - Aled Hall
Prince Yamadori - Seungwook Seong
Kate Pinkerton - Miranda Westcott
Imperial Commissioner - Freddie Tong
Official Registrar - Owen Gilhooly
Uncle Yakuside - Gareth Jones
Mother - Akiko Enomoto
Aunt - Eriko Shimada
Cousin - Georgia Ginsberg
Performance schedule:
Thursday 24 February, 19.30: Cast A
Friday 25 February, 19.30: Cast B
Saturday 26 February, 14.30: Cast A
Saturday 26 February, 19.30: Cast B
Sunday 27 February, 14.30: Cast C
Tuesday 1 March, 19.30: Cast A
Wednesday 2 March, 19.30: Cast B
Thursday 3 March, 19.30: Cast A
Friday 4 March, 19.30: Cast B
Saturday 5 March, 14.30: Cast A
Saturday 5 March, 19.30: Cast B
Sunday 6 March, 14.30: Cast C
Sunday 6 March, 19.30: Cast A
Wednesday 9 March, 19.30: Cast A
Thursday 10 March, 19.30: Cast B
Friday 11 March, 19.30: Cast A
Saturday 12 March, 14.30: Cast B
Saturday 12 March, 19.30: Cast A
Sunday 13 March, 14.30: Cast B