The Royal Albert Hall will once again be turned into an enchanting Japanese water garden for the return of the spectacular in-the-round production of Puccini's Madam Butterfly.
No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of 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 skilfully 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.
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 Nam-young Kim, Hyeseoung Kwon and Myung-Joo Lee.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor Oliver Gooch
Director David Freeman
Designer David Roger
Musical Director Oliver Gooch
Lighting Design Andrew Bridge
Sound Design Bobby Aitken
English Translation Amanda Holden
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Fine Dining and Corporate Box Hospitality packages are available.
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Since its world premiere at the Hall in February 1998, this truly sensational production 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.
"The envy of any opera house anywhere" Sunday Telegraph
"remarkable . . . spectacular, epic staging" Evening Standard
"staged with amazing style... ravishingly designed" Sunday Times
"Magnificent" Metro