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MEDIA RELEASE 31 July 2017

Puccini|DirectorMoffattOxenbould|ConductorBrianCastles-Onion

Farewell to the grandest Madama of them all 24Oct–4Nov|CapitolTheatreStarring|KarahSon|HyeseoungKwon|DiegoTorre|AndekaGorrotxategi

Opera Australia is bidding a heartfelt farewell to one of the most loved productions in its history, Moffatt Oxenbould’s magnificent Madama Butterfly, with a final two-week season at the Capitol Theatre in October.

Premiering in 1997 this production of Madama Butterfly has been performed more than any other production in Opera Australia’s repertoire. It has been universally praised for its sheer beauty, the gorgeous costumes, evocative sets and Puccini’s magnificent music. They all come together to create a magical production that should not be missed.

“It’ll be terrific to stage this final season of Moffatt’s Madama Butterfly in the Capitol Theatre, which lends itself so well to opera.

“The elegance of the theatre itself, the sheer scale of the venue, the big pit - we haven’t done an opera at the Capitol in thirteen years, so it’ll be a grand event and fitting farewell to this beautiful production,” says Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM.

Designed around silk, fire, water and wood, Oxenbould’s legendary production will feature celebrated South Korean soprano Karah Son making her Australian debut as Cio-Cio San.

“We’ve assembled a stellar cast that will do Puccini’s work justice,” said Terracini.

Son will also be joined in the role by Opera Australia soprano Hyeseoung Kwon along with Australia’s favourite tenor, the incredible Diego Torre along with Spanish tenor Andeka Gorrotxategi who will share the role of Pinkerton.

Featuring some of the best known arias in the opera world including ‘Un bel dì vedremo’, Madama Butterfly is an unforgettable experience for opera first-timers and lovers alike.

Set in the early 1900’s the story follows American naval captain Pinkerton who has come to Japan and finds himself enchanted with a local girl, Cio-Cio-San whom he nicknames Butterfly. The two marry but Pinkerton must return to the States, leaving a hopeful and fiercely loyal Butterfly awaiting a reunion. When Pinkerton does return, he does not come alone and finds Butterfly also has news to share.

Madama Butterfly is one of Opera Australia’s most celebrated productions. The simple lines, great blocks of colour, bold choreography and clever use of screens and water are like an artwork on stage. The production has been seen not just in Sydney but all over the world, travelling to China, Canada and America.

Creatives Conductor Brian Castles-Onion Original Director Moffatt Oxenbould Revival Director Hugh Halliday Set & Costume Designers Peter England | Russell Cohen Lighting Designer Robert Bryan Assistant Director Constantine Costi

Cast Cio-Cio-San Karah Son* Hyeseoung Kwon ^ Pinkerton Diego Torre * Andeka Gorrotxategi ^ Suzuki Sian Pendry * Agnes Sarkis ^ Sharpless Barry Ryan Goro Graeme Macfarlane The Bonze Gennadi Dubinsky Yamadori Sitiveni Talei Kate Pinkerton Jane Ede Commissioner Ryan Sharp Registrar Gregory Brown With the Opera Australia Chorus and Opera Australia Orchestra * 24, 26, 28, 31 October, 2 November at 7:30pm, 4 November at 1pm ^25, 27, October and 1, 4 November at 7pm, 29 October at 3pm

Performance information Capitol Theatre, Sydney Evenings at 7.30pm October 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31 November 1, 2, 4 Matinée at 1pm November 4 Matinée at 3pm October 29 Running time Two hours and forty-five minutes including one interval. Performed in Italian with English surtitles.

Bookings Adult tickets from $65 + booking fee Group and concession prices available for most performances. Student Rush available for most performances: $50 (fees may apply) Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au Capitol Theatre, Sydney

Media enquiries Janet Glover | Public Relations Manager 0412 601 816 Janet.glover@opera.org.au Brock Goodhill | Senior Publicist 0400 285 799 brock.goodhill@opera.org.au