Opera Loki’s Madam Butterfly
Opera Loki cuts right to the soulful heart of Puccini’s famous tale of love, desire and betrayal
‘ I think the roars of approval at the end of the evening said it all. It was a cracking performance.’
‘ …an absolute enchantment in every way, beautifully sung and acted.’
Following a tour in France, Opera Loki brings Puccini’s classic Madam Butterfly to UK venues this autumn including ‘Upstairs at the Gatehouse’, Highgate (29th-29th September)
This production is not to be missed!
Based on a short story by John Luther Long, Puccini’s Madam Butterfly is set in Nagasaki, Japan 1904. Pinkerton is a handsome American Naval officer visiting Japan. He marries a beautiful local girl named Butterfly. Pinkerton leaves for America leaving her heartbroken. She believes that one day he will return but will he?
Current performers include Kirsty Taylor-Stokes as the beautiful Butterfly described by Opera Now as ‘a really classy full bodied voice’ following three seasons at Glyndebourne.
Thomas Birch captivates the audience as Pinkerton with a tenor voice described as ‘thrilling and powerful’ by reviewers of his performance in Macbeth at Minack Theatre, Cornwall.
We can’t miss out spellbinding puppeteer Rachel Leonard who has previous experience directing at the RSC and on the production Warhorse Charitable opera company Opera Loki aims to bring performances in English to regional communities within intimate venues, making their productions ideal for first-time operagoers and seasoned opera lovers alike.
The organisation provides a much-needed platform for early career artists and an exciting opportunity for audience members to see sizzling new talent up close. Previous cast members include Daniel Grice, who joined the Jette Parker Young Artists’ Programme at the Royal Opera House and Kitty Whately, who scooped the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award in 2011.
The company also provides crucial experience for early career stage managers, designers and directors. This production is directed by Jane Gray, musically directed by David Smith, edited by Paneretos Kyriatzidis and translated into English by Amanda Holden. Past participants have gone on to work at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, ENO, WNO and English Touring Opera.
Opera Loki today has performed 16 operas, at over 20 venues, supporting 130 singers to an audience of well over 6000 people. Opera Loki was created in 2001 by performers Jane Gray and Fred Broom and is supported by patrons Carolyn and Peter Bear.
The 2019 UK season performances of Madam Butterfly take place in Alton and London (13th September – 29th September).
For more information visit www.operaloki.com / @operaloki