Main Performers | Cio-Cio San - Hyeseoung Kwon, Pinkerton - Jeffrey Gwaltney, Suzuki - Sabina Kim, Sharpless - David Kempster, The Bonze - Michael Druiett, Goro - Julius Ahn, Prince Yamadori - Seungwook Seong, Kate Pinkerton - Lise Christenson, Imperial Commisioner - Freddie Tong, Official Registrar - Richard Stuart, Uncle Yukuside - Michael Wallace, Mother - Akiko Enomoto, Aunt - Eriko Shimada, Cousin - Georgia Ginsberg |
Secondary Performers | David Freeman - Director, Oliver Gooch - Musical Director, David Roger - Set and Costume Designer, Andrew Bridge - Lighting Designer, Bobby Aitken - Sound Designer, Amanda Holden - English translation |
Set List | 'Madam Butterfly', Puccini |
Performance Notes | Raymond Gubbay and the Royal Albert Hall present the eagerly awaited return of this acclaimed sell out production. The spectacular 'in the round' production staged in an enchanting Japanese water garden.
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 magnificent 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.
Since its world premiere at the Royal Albert 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 two hundred and fifty thousand people and has received the highest critical acclaim wherever it has been performed. By huge popular demand the unique and spectacular "in the round" staging of Madam Butterfly returns again to the Royal Albert Hall. |
Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/2015/3), Handbill (RAHE/6/2015/2A), Poster (RAHE/2/2015/3), Digital Photographs |