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Madama Butterfly by Puccini

Madama Butterfly returns to the Irish stage at the NCH

Fully Staged Irish Opera at the National Concert Hall

Breathtakingly beautiful from first love to tragic end – Lyric Opera Productions presents its much acclaimed Madama Butterfly at the National Concert Hall on February 18th, 19th and 21st. Audiences adore Puccini’s much loved dramatic opera and this fully staged production, with complete orchestra and chorus, brings together the best of Irish and International talent in a richly emotional experience of Irish opera live.

Exquisite Korean soprano Hye-Youn Lee sings the title role. Selected in The Independent on Sunday as the “Face to Watch” in Classical Music 2014, she makes her Irish debut in this production. Acclaimed English tenor Julian Hubbard plays Pinkerton,the US Naval Officer who breaks her heart, while Irish mezzo Sarah Richardson makes her role debut as Suzuki. German based American baritone, Lucia Lucas – the most prominent transgender performer in the opera world – will sing the role of Sharpless, the US Consul.

Conductor John Rigby leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus in this most beautiful opera that resonates deeply despite being composed over 100 years ago.

In the tragic tale of East meets West, Cio-Cio San is just fifteen years old when Pinkerton, a visiting American Captain, acquires her as a bride. Their love burns brightly for a while and the delicate Butterfly is caught in the flame. Within a year, he is gone, and his promises to return hold little value. But Madama Butterfly knows, although betrayed – in her heart that one fine day, he will return. The story reaches its tragic conclusion as Pinkerton returns to break her heart. Butterfly is devastated and makes a supreme sacrifice, in devotion to her ancestors.

“Irish audiences love Madama Butterfly – as do opera lovers all over the world”, says Vivian Coates, Artistic Director of Lyric Opera. “With beautiful arias, traditional costumes and of course the incredible cast – it will be utterly compelling and opera at its finest!”

Tickets are priced at €20 – €48. Booking at the National Concert Hall on 01 417 0000 or at www.nch.ie .

Reservation no longer available