Lake Constance, Austria
The Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San, called Butterfly, revels in happiness when the US-American lieutenant Pinkerton marries her. Their love culminates in an enchanting duet, but soon after, a ship takes the soldier back home.
It is a clash of worlds and values: While Pinkerton feels free and marries a US-American woman back home, Butterfly, full of love, hope and longing, waits for his return for three long years – together with their child. Singing her famous aria ‘Un Bel dì Vedremo,’ she imagines the day she and her beloved husband will be reunited.
Then, however, Pinkerton returns with his US-American wife and Cio-Cio-San makes an irrevocable decision. With a fine Japanese-looking piece of paper, stage designer Michael Levine created a magical platform on Lake Constance for Cio-Cio-San’s touching story.
Andreas Homoki, artistic director at the Zurich Opera House, uses atmospheric video projections and Antony McDonald’s colourful costumes to stage this heartbreaking opera in the beautiful lakeside scenery. Conductor Enrique Mazzola returns as musical director.
150m including interval.
Tickets £15