Madama Butterfly
When Madama Butterfly was first performed at La Scala at the turn of the twentieth century it was a resounding flop. Puccini quickly revised the opera. Several months later his new production was a smash hit with Italian audiences. Over the subsequent century, Madama Butterfly has become one of most popular operas of all time.
Greek soprano Alexia Voulgaridou plays Madama Butterfly brilliantly. Her vocal mastery of the part evokes the most emotional aspects of the opera. Her despicable husband, Pinkerton is performed by the Australian tenor, James Egglestone, who was resoundingly booed at the curtain call, indicating he succeeds at being a perfect cad.
Review By Don Grieve and Dixie Coulton.
Jan 27 – Mar 28, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, $69-330+b.f, opera.org.au