For the first time in nearly two years, the curtain rises for a live audience at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. The production is helmed by Canadian director Aria Umezawa in a COC debut.

Madama Butterfly tells the coming of age story of Cio-Cio-San, a young geisha in Nagasaki. When her life collides with the older American naval officer Pinkerton, devastating consequences ensue, giving rise to one of Puccini’s most powerful and unforgettable operas.

In leading this production, Umezawa draws on her experience as co-founder of the COC’s Disruptor-in-Residence Amplified Opera that leverages theatre as an avenue for innovation and social impact. Japanese soprano Eri Nakamura makes her COC debut in the iconic title role, opposite American tenor Stephen Costello who returns to the COC in the role of Pinkerton. Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson returns to Toronto to lead the acclaimed COC Orchestra with Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst leading the COC Chorus.

CREATIVE TEAMS

Conductor: Keri-Lynn Wilson

Original Director: Brian Macdonald

Revival Director: Aria Umezawa

Revival Lighting Designer: Davida Tkach

Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst

CAST:

Cio-Cio San: Eri Nakamura

Pinkerton: Stephen Costello

Suzuki: Guang Yang

Sharpless: Adrian Timpau

Goro: Julius Ahn

Prince Yamadori: Seung Hyeon Baek

Kate Pinkerton: Jamie Groote

With the COC Orchestra and Chorus

A Canadian Opera Company production

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Giacomo Puccini

February 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22 & 25, 2022

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Performance time is two hours and 45 minutes including one 25-minute intermission

For tickets visit www.coc.ca.