Madama Butterfly

Published Thursday 30 November 2006 at 13:55 by Natalie Anglesey

Puccini’s masterpiece has a long and interesting history, first as a short story, then a novel and stage play before the composer, attracted by this tragic romance, wrote his powerfully melodic score which has the poetic libretto of Giacosa and Illica.

Ellen Kent and Opera International bring a new production of this passionate love story on tour. Although we’ve seen a previous production, by The Chisnau National Opera, the set may look familiar but is minus the orange blossom and koi carp - although there’s still the sound of a gurgling water feature.

The strength of this company lies vocally with the chorus in good voice. Maria Tsonina makes her debut singing Cio Cio San and whilst it’s a delight to see someone so young and pretty sing the role of the 15-year-old geisha, the orchestra appeared to drown her first entrance. This may be simply a matter of nerves because, as the evening progressed, she grew vocally and dramatically in stature. However, whilst she flitted quite beautifully around the stage, like the butterfly she’s named after, there was a marked lack of physical passion between her and Pinkerton.

Ruslan Zinevych was in fine voice as the American sailor who betrays Butterfly’s love and his good looks and easy manner made her feelings for him understandable. Vladimir Dragos sang the rather pompous Sharpless whist Zarui Vardanean both sang and acted well as the loyal Suzuki.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.