The Hallé – Madama Butterfly

Puccini – Madama Butterfly (complete)

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Featuring:
Eri Nakamura, soprano, Cio-Cio San
Thomas Atkins, tenor, Pinkerton
Vladislav Sulminsky, baritone, Sharpless
Ann Taylor, mezzo-soprano Suzuki
Jihoon Kim, bass, Bonze
Alasdair Elliott, tenor, Goro
Ashley Riches, bass/baritone, Prince Yamadori
Katie Coventry, mezzo-soprano, Kate Pinkerton

During Sir Mark’s tenure as Music Director, the Hallé’s semi-staged operas have become legendary; he’s long wanted to perform with the orchestra what he feels is Puccini’s greatest score, Madama Butterfly. When Puccini saw Belasco’s play Madame Butterfly: A Tragedy of Japan in 1900, he instantly knew its operatic potential. Although its premiere at La Scala two years later wasn’t a success, it rapidly became an essential part of the repertoire of opera houses worldwide. A story of love betrayed, at its heart is the gentle heroine Cio-Cio San (‘Butterfly’ of the title); her aria Un bel di vedremo, and the ‘Humming Chorus’ are but two of the opera’s glorious inspirations. A world-class cast is led by the young Japanese soprano Eri Nakamura who has captivated audiences at Covent Garden establishing her international reputation.