Madama Butterfly

Published Tuesday 4 March 2008 at 11:55 by Kevin Berry

Having the young Korean singer Elena Dee playing Cio Cio San makes this Madama Butterfly, from the Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa, an exceptional production.

There is much else to praise, but Miss Dee is certain to cause a stir or two during the company’s tour. Her voice has clarity and soaring emotion. She radiates hope and longing and defiance.

Dee is paired with Ruslan Zinevych as her American lover Pinkerton and they look good together. Their duets are balanced beautifully. They ebb and flow.

This Pinkerton is more naïve than self-serving and he suffers terrible regret for the tragedy he has caused. In the role of Sharpless, the American Consul, that finely toned baritone Vladimir Dragos will win many more admirers. Zarui Vardanean as Cio Cio San’s maid Suzuki is not given much to do, which is rather a pity. She can act and she sings with perkiness.

The chorus gels impressively when singing, but its boys and girls need to be moving as a crowd and with purpose, not as loosely connected individuals - especially when they are gathered for Cio Cio San’s wedding.

The Odessa Opera company’s orchestra is impressively balanced and has a sweet string section. Its gentle, delicate playing during Cio Cio San’s night-long vigil, as she waits for Pinkerton, is inspired; a mix of hope, torment and foreboding.

This is excellent opera. Sung in the original Italian, traditionally staged and dressed with lovely Oriental colours.