We certainly live in an eventful part of Wales. Llandudno’s Venue Cymru are hosting the celebrated opera Madame Butterfly, which will open on Sunday, the 17th of September. While of course we’re not even into July yet, given the popularity of this fantastic performance by the Russian State Opera, tickets must be booked early to avoid disappointment. The performance is expected to sell out extremely quickly, so it must be mentioned to book early. And while you’re booking that, why not make a weekend of it in a fantastic Llandudno Seafront Hotel?
The Russian State Opera are indeed highly acclaimed, renowned across Europe for their faithful, intimate and powerful performances. They have been featured frequently on local and national media, including performing on the BBC’s One Show. The Russian State Opera are the gem of Russian passion and vibrancy, founded to represent quality and passion for opera at the highest level.
But what about the performance? Even operatic laymen know of the opera’s title, yet not many know of the story. A true tragedy set in the turn of the century for Japan, shortly after their barriers were opened to the West. The opera follows the story of a young Japanese geisha who clings to the belief that her marriage to a visiting American naval officer is loving and permanent. One of the most defining stories in opera, the tragic story triggers ideas and stimulates debate of opposing cultural ideals and and gender and familial roles.
Madam Butterfly is also very well known for it’s fantastic score. The doomed love of the American Naval Lieutenant and the young geisha inspired the legendary Giacomo Puccini to write his most sublime and beautiful score; and it is due to this, incredible acting and truly emotive storytelling that Madam Butterfly is among the most colourful and exotic of all operas- it’s themes capable of truly gripping your heart.
Image Credit: Japanexperterna.se | CC BY 2.0
