After their critically acclaimed production of Monteverdi’s Orfeo in August, Eternity Opera is returning with Puccini’s masterpiece Madam Butterfly from 16-24 November at the Hannah Playhouse in Wellington.

Madam Butterfly follows a young bride in 1950’s Japan who renounces her religion to embrace all things American, then some years later as the strong young mother who returns to her culture and the code of honour that governs her tragic destiny. 

With gorgeous period costumes and designs, and featuring some of Puccini’s most lyrical music, including the Humming Chorus, Flower Duet, the stunning aria “Un bel dì,” and finishing with a spine-tingling climax. 

Performed in English this will be directed by Alex Galvin and conducted by Matthew Ross, with the Eternity Chamber Orchestra. 

Hannah Catrin Jones sings the title role, following on from her success as the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro last year, and making his New Zealand operatic debut as Pinkerton is US-based tenor Boyd Owen, who has performed with opera companies and symphony orchestras in Australia, Europe, the USA and Asia. 

London-based baritone Kieran Rayner will return to Wellington to sing Sharpless after performing extensively across Europe and Asia over the last five years.

Laura Loach, winner of this year’s Dame Malvina Major Foundation Christchurch Aria competition, plays Suzuki. Declan Cudd, a Freemasons New Zealand Opera Artist, is Goro, and the well known and loved Roger Wilson is the Bonze.

Madam Butterfly is a powerful and brilliant story, with complex characters in a fascinating setting. Add to this Puccini’s wonderful music, and this will be a truly special event that no music or theatre lover should miss.