Royal Opera House

Madama Butterfly

When the young geisha, Cio-Cio-San, marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton, she believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life.  Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion - with tragic consequences.

With a score that includes Butterfly’s aria, Un bel dì, vedremo (One fine day) and the Humming Chorus, Giacomo Puccini’s opera is entrancing and ultimately heart-breaking.

Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s exquisite production takes inspiration from 19th-century European images of Japan.  Asmik Grigorian performs the role of Cio-Cio-San, with Kevin John Edusei conducting.