Madama Butterfly takes us on the emotional journey of a devoted young Asian woman as she faces the truth about Pinkerton, the US navy lieutenant she marries. Sound advice from her maid, Suzuki, and the American consul, Sharpless, falls on deaf ears. The worldly-wise Pinkerton sets up house with Butterfly. But he deserts her, leaving her isolated from family and friends and the story unfolds. Celine Byrne sings the lead role with Julian Hubbard as Pinkerton, Brett Polegato sings Sharpless, Doreen Curran is Suzuki and Eamonn Mulhall is Goro. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Irish National Opera Chorus is conducted by Timothy Redmond.
This production was recorded in the Bord Gais Theatre on 28th March 2019. (First broadcast 18th May 2019)
RTÉ lyric fm, Saturday 14th September, 7pm-10pm