Canadian Opera Firm, manufacturing from Houston Grand Opera, Grand Théâtre de Genève, and Lyric Opera of Chicago: Madama Butterfly. Eri Nakamura, Cio-Cio San (Butterfly); Kang Wang, Pinkerton; Hyona Kim, Suzuki; Michael Sumuel, Sharpless; Julius Ahn, Goro; Samuel Chan, Yamadori; Gene Wu, Bonze; Emily Rocha, Kate Pinkerton (January 24 to February 6); Karoline Podolak, Kate Pinkerton (February 8 to 16). COC Orchestra, Keri-Lynn Wilson, Conductor; Christopher Oram, Set & Costume Designer. 4 Seasons Centre, Toronto. Continues till February 16, 2025; tickets right here.
Madama Butterfly returns to the Canadian Opera Firm stage with a stellar forged that delivered an emotionally wealthy efficiency with breathtaking vocal artistry and highly effective performing. This manufacturing involves the COC from Houston Grand Opera, Grand Théâtre de Genève, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Toronto opera goers might keep in mind, as I do, the COC’s 2014 mainstage manufacturing initially directed by Brian Macdonald, which I do know is a favorite of many. This manufacturing looks like a contemporary tackle an operatic traditional and aligns extra intently with the sensibilities of at this time’s cultural local weather.
Puccini’s masterpiece is a poignant opera with a number of layers, themes, and complexities. Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly), a younger Japanese geisha falls in love with a U.S. naval lieutenant, Pinkerton. They marry, however Pinkerton abandons her. Butterfly raises their son whereas she waits for his return. Three years later, he returns with an American spouse. Devastated, and having made so many sacrifices within the identify of affection, she makes the final word sacrifice along with her life.
Performances
Australian-Chinese language tenor Kang Wang as Pinkerton delivers a robust efficiency that elicits the nuanced sides of Pinkerton. There’s a richness and readability to his singing that demonstrates Pinkerton’s bravado and confidence. And but, Wang reveals a tenderness and compassionate aspect of Pinkerton when he consoles Butterfly after she renounces her faith. Wang’s Pinkerton is among the most compelling facets of this manufacturing. Along with his distinctive singing and performing, he’s a expertise I’m trying ahead to seeing once more on stage.
Japanese soprano Eri Nakamura’s portrayal of Butterfly is extraordinary. At moments, there’s a delicateness of Nakamura’s voice that fits the youthful Butterfly (who was solely 18 when she first met Pinkerton). Then, there are additionally moments of outstanding assuredness that reveal Butterfly’s emotional depth, transcending her years. Nakamura’s interpretation of Butterfly is knowledgeable and insightful, imbued with verismo. She portrays it with dignity and poise. This interpretation is one which resonated with me, and I imagine, will endure for years to return.
Of specific word is the well-known aria “Un bel dì”, undoubtedly the opera’s most iconic second. Nakamura’s voice fantastically conveys a way of hope and optimism, embodying Butterfly’s unwavering religion in Pinkerton’s return. Whereas the viewers is conscious of the inevitable final result, this information solely deepens the tragedy of the scene. On this second, Suzuki, Butterfly’s dutiful servant, remarkably carried out by Hyona Kim, serves as a poignant reflection of our shared sorrow throughout this emotional second.
The opposite supporting singers have been additionally very good. Michael Sumuel deserves specific recognition for his portrayal of the sympathetic Sharpless.
The Manufacturing
The orchestra, which offers a lot of the emotional and dramatic components of the opera, was in wonderful type beneath the route of Keri-Lynn Wilson. Though, there was a second when the orchestra was too overwhelming that left Bonze virtually inaudible.
I discovered the lighting design (authentic lighting designer Neil Austin, revival lighting designer Michael Kangas) to be very stunning and efficient. Its subtlety and ease supported the emotional journey. The costumes, make-up, and set design, are additionally thoughtfully carried out, avoiding the chance of caricature. The staging and visible storytelling demonstrates a well-informed, respectful strategy to the cultural context of the opera. Revival director, Jordan Lee Braun, offers an illuminating must-read word in this system.
It was a profoundly emotional efficiency that left a long-lasting impression on me. It is a manufacturing I’ll keep in mind for years to return.
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Albert Wong is a author, composer and musician primarily based in Toronto. He’s energetic within the choral neighborhood and sings with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Babεl. He additionally has a specific curiosity in gamelan music, and performs Balinese gendèr wayang with Seka Rat Nadi.
