Madama Butterfly Puccini
Manitoba Opera

Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00 pm
Friday, April 23 at 7:30 pm

Sung in Italian with projected English titles.

The Story

This haunting drama in the high hills of the Nagasaki harbour tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a beautiful and innocent Japanese geisha who falls in love with Pinkerton, a dashing U.S. Navy lieutenant. Her love for Pinkerton transcends culture and family, and they marry. But some vows aren’t forever. Pinkerton soon leaves Japan and Butterfly unwaveringly waits three long years for his return. When his ship comes in her dreams for the future meet his – with tragic and heartbreaking results.

The Music

Puccini’s gorgeous melodies soar through the opera. The unforgettable music includes Pinkerton’s American creed, “Dovunque al mondo,” the hypnotic Humming Chorus, Butterfly’s steadfast declaration of love – “Un bel di, vedremo” – one of opera’s most famous arias, and her final “Con onor muore”.

The power of Cio-Cio-San’s devotion and unshakeable belief in love make her utterly captivating. It’s impossible not to ache for her.