Cape Town Opera presents Puccini’s much-loved Madama Butterfly returns to Artscape’s Opera House, playing from 19 to 27 September.
Sublime sets, colourful costumes and a heart-rending opera takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride as the story of a trusting young Japanese bride and a callous American naval officer who weds and abandons her unfolds. Butterfly’s aria ‘Un bel dì’, the joyous Flower Duet and the haunting Humming Chorus emerge from a score of consistent beauty and power, which goes straight for the emotional jugular and seldom fails to reduce even the hardest hearts to tears.
The leading role of Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly) is played by Russian-born soprano, Tatiana Monogarova. Educated at Russian Academy of Arts, Tatiana Monogarova has scored a considerable success the world over. Her career to date includes appearances with such eminent conductors as Vladimir Spivakov, Vladimir and Mikhail Jurowski, Daniele Callegari, Andreas Spering, Louis Langree, Julian Reynolds, Normunds Vaicis, Tomas Netopil, Edo de Waart, Hans Zender and Kent Nagano.
South African tenor Rheinaldt Tshepo Moagi will sing the lead male role of Pinkerton, the American naval officer. Moagi recently scooped up the 3rd prize Overall winner, International Media-Jury prize and Prize of the Audience at the International Hans Gabore Belvedere Competition held in Amsterdam 6 July 2013.
Joining them on stage is Lukhanyo Moyake as Goro; Violina Anguelov as Suzuki; Mandisinde Mbuyazwe is Sharpless, and also featuring Nkosana Sitimela, Lindile Kula Snr, Xolela Sixaba, Owen Metsileng, Siphamandla Yakupa, Nonhlanhla Yende, Lubabalo Velebayi, Lindile Kula Jnr and Thando Mpushe. The Cape Town Opera Voice of the Nation Chorus under the baton of Albert Horne joins the multi-talented cast set to make Madama Butterfly 2013 a repeat sell-out sensation as its first run in 2009.
Christine Crouse directs this “visually arresting” production of Madama Butterfly with Kubuki-inspired set and costume designs by Michael Mitchell and lighting design by Kobus Rossouw.
VENUE: Artscape Opera House
TIMES:
Thursday, 19 September 2013 @ 19h30
Saturday, 21 September 2013 @ 18h00
Wednesday, 25 September, 19h30
Friday, 27 September 2013 @ 19h30
TICKETS: R125.00, R 250.00, R 350.00 inclusive through Computicket or Artscape
