Madame Butterfly

Giacomo Puccini

Culture Clash

Love and honour resonate with thunderous force in Puccini’s tender love story between a Japanese geisha and her naval officer as Japan opened up to the West and the 20th century.

One of the world’s best-loved operas, Puccini’s masterpiece contains many of the most recognisable tunes in opera, including the “Humming Chorus” and “One Fine Day”. This exquisite new production combines beauty with unflinching emotional honesty.

Discover why Cio-Cio San and her Lieutenant Pinkerton are among the world’s ten most-loved operatic couples.

The Cast

This new production stars Australian soprano Antoinette Halloran (who sang Mimi in La Bohème in 2008) in the title role with Italian tenor Piero Pretti as Pinkerton, and English baritone Peter Savidge as the American Consul Sharpless.

The Story

Fifteen-year-old Cio-Cio San (known as Butterfly) is enchanted by her handsome lover, who marries her and then leaves shortly after, returning to his homeland. Butterfly bears his child and faithfully waits for him to come back; but when he does, it is with his new American bride. Even the hard-hearted Pinkerton can’t face telling her that the marriage is over and she’s about to lose her son into the bargain.

Accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
and Orchestra Wellington.

Featuring the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

A New Zealand Opera production

Dates

Auckland

April 18—28

ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre

Thursday 18
7:30PM
Saturday 20
7:30PM
Wednesday 24
7:30PM
Friday 26
7:30PM
Sunday 28
2:30PM

Pre Show Talks

20, 24, 26 April 6.30pm; 28 April 1.30pm
Air New Zealand foyer, Level 5, Aotea Centre

Opera Exposed & Friends Night

24 April from 6.30pm

Audio Described Performance

28 April 2.30pm
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre

Discover more

Auckland Dress Rehearsal Attendance (Education)

Tuesday 16 April, 7.30pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
To book your school group, click on Discover More

Enquiries: education@nzopera.co.nz

Discover more

Dinner Options - Auckland

Thanks to our restaurant partners and friends, we have some great pre-opera dining options for you.

In Auckland enjoy a superb two course meal and glass of wine at Hotel DeBrett’s award winning Kitchen Restaurant. Pre-Opera dinner packages are available at $45 per person (book now with Hotel DeBrett on 09 969 1545).

Our new friends at Kura Sake Bar have created a special Madame Butterfly cocktail, free to all Butterfly ticket holders with tickets valid for that night's show. Pop in before the show, grab a bite to eat and present your opera ticket for your free 'Cio-Cio's' cocktail.

Wellington

May 11—18

St James Theatre

Saturday 11
7:30PM
Tuesday 14
6:00PM
Thursday 16
7:30PM
Saturday 18
7:30PM

Pre Show Talks

16, 18 May 6.30pm, 14 May 5pm
Hospitality Suite, 1st Floor Gallery, St James Theatre

Opera Exposed & Friends Night

14 May from 5pm

Audio Described Performance

14 May, 6pm
St James Theatre, Wellington
Book now through Ticketek, ph (04) 384 3842

Wellington Dress Rehearsal Attendance (Education)

Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm, St James Theatre
To book your school group, click on Discover More

Enquiries: education@nzopera.co.nz

Discover more

Dinner Options - Wellington

In our capital city, Wellington, enjoy a fabulous pre-Opera Bistro meal with the ever-wonderful Logan Brown Restaurant for $45.00 per person (book now with Logan Brown on 04 801 5114).

2013
Season Brochure

Download

Tickets

Auckland: The Box, Aotea Centre

Phone 0800 BUYTICKETS

In Person Queen Street, Auckland
Mon — Fri 9.30am — 5.30pm
Sat — Sun10am — 4pm

Online Buy Tickets

Wellington: St James Theatre

Phone 0800 TICKETEK

In Person 77 — 78 Courtenay Place, Wellington
Mon — Fri 9am — 5pm
Sat 10am — 2pm

Online Buy Tickets

For me, it is the most demanding yet most beautiful soprano role ever created, marrying divine composition with heartbreaking drama.

Antoinette Halloran, Cio-Cio San

Season Subscriptions

Ticket prices.

Seating Categories	Single Ticket Price	Groups 10+	Concession (save 10%)
C—Reserve	$49.50	N/A	N/A
B—Reserve	$74.50	$67.00	$67.00
A—Reserve	$98.50	$88.50	$88.50
Silver	$124.50	$112.00	$112.00
Gold	$148.50	$133.50	$133.50
Premium	$189.50	$170.50	$170.50
View seating map