The Story
The story upon which the libretto of Puccini's Madame Butterfly is based on an amalgam of a narrative by John Luther Long, a Philadelphia lawyer, and the play derived from that narrative by playwright and theatrical producer, David Belasco.

Long claimed to have based his story on incidents related to him by his sister, the wife of a missionary stationed in Nagasaki.

The libretto of Madame Butterfly is one of those rare instances in operatic history where the text is actually an improvement over its sources. The dimensions of the opera, the finely etched depictions of its characters, its inexorable progress and the beautiful verses and dialogue constructed by Giuseppe Giacosa.

Coupled with Puccini's emotionally charged musical score, Madam Butterfly produces an effect at once intimate and overwhelming, a haunting portrayal of the dangers of misguided love.

The great success of "Madame Butterfly" is not difficult to understand. It is emotive and guarantees to touch the heart of audiences in the U.A.E.

The Company
The Rostov State Opera and Ballet is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and, with the exception of their visit to the UAE, is celebrating its Jubilee touring Russia. The company’s repertoire extends to over 30 works, including Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Verdi and Strauss. In 2003 soprano Irina Krikanova was nominated for a Golden Mask, Russia’s prestigious national theatre award, for her performance as Madame Butterfly.

The Music
While in London in 1900 to supervise 'Tosca' for Covent Garden, Puccini's attention was drawn to a play by David Belasco entitled 'Madame Butterfly', then showing at the Duke of York's Theatre. Puccini, always on the watch for new operatic material, went to see it. Although his grasp of English was at best tentative, he was very taken with the strong female protagonist, and afterwards rushed to the 'Green Room' to meet the author and secure the rights to the material. He might have known that the play's origin, a novella by John Luther Long, was in fact based on the earlier novel 'Madame Chrysanthème' by Pierre Loti, which had already inspired André Messager's opera of the same name. Puccini had to do better on an already trodden path. This might have fuelled his inspiration.
Puccini used to call 'Madama Butterfly' his favourite work, one he was never tired of listening to in its entirety!

The Press
"This production of Puccini’s story of love and betrayal staged by the Russian State Opera of Rostov is a one-night banquet of perfection. It is the finest version I have ever seen - beautifully sung by a quality cast with impressive costumes and a fine orchestra conducted by the animated Andrei Galavanov."
- Midlands Observer

"Outstanding Butterfly soars to new heights. This latest company to visit these shores is outstandingly good. Fine singing combined with convincing acting skills to create genuine characters."
- Birmingham Post

Irina Krikunova’s magical entrance pointed to a very special Butterfly and so it proved to be her performance both vocally and dramatically as fine as you will ever find. …The best Butterfly you can expect to see hereabouts."
- Yorkshire Post


Opera Etiquette
With their forthcoming presentation of Madame Butterfly in September, The Great Entertainment Company offers a few pointers and tips for the novice to appreciate and enjoy a visit to the opera.

Cathryn Gaspar, CEO of The Great Entertainment Company explains: "Opera is a tricky world for the novice, but with patience and a willingness to learn, it offers the viewer a wonderful mixed experience and a spectacular performance of singing, dancing, stage design and elaborate costumes".

Gaspar continued, "Opera dates from the 16th Century and is a descendant of courtly entertainment performed for the nobility. It is a mixture of pastorale, or poetry and monody, a form of speech sing-song taken from the Greeks. It is believed that Monteverdi was the first opera composer. Opera flourished in Italy, with composers such as Verdi, Rossini, Bellini and Pucini. Italian opera is renowned for tragic falls and passionate love affairs. They are a true moving expression of what it means to be alive".

The Great Entertainment Company offers the following advice to opera goers:

- What should i wear?
  Opera is a great opportunity to get dressed up - from evening gowns and
  tuxedos to cocktail dress and suits, to whatever you're most comfortable
  wearing.

- How will I understand what people are singing?
  A synopsis is printed in the programmes.

- When should I applaud?
   As a general rule, applause occurs at the end of each act and the end of the
  performance. In between, when an impressive aria (opera solo) ends, the
  audience may reward the singer with brief clapping until the action resumes.

- How long will the opera last?
  Generally estimate two to three hours.

- Is there an interval?
  Yes, quite often there are two intervals for three act operas and one break for
  two act operas.
 

Pictures
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Event Details

 Duration
   180 minutes (inc. 2 Intermissions)

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