Madam Butterfly

From Thursday 26 February until Sunday 15 March 2015, 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.

Video trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVFu098IrSk