Conductor Giordano Bellincampi
Cio-Cio-San Erika Grimaldi
Pinkerton Gaston Rivero
Sharpless Richard Šveda
Suzuki Elisabeth Jansson
Goro Michael Petruccelli
The Bonze Pelham Andrews
Kate Pinkerton Katie Trigg
Prince Yamadori Robert Tucker
with the Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus
Producer & Stage Director Antony Ernst
Puccini’s poignant and tragic tale of love, heartbreak and betrayal
The teenage geisha known as Madame Butterfly married the US sailor Pinkerton in Nagasaki three years ago. He returned to America; she hasn’t seen him since. But then the cannon announces the arrival of his ship. Through the night, she waits for him – with their son…
A superb cast brings this devastating story to life. Stunning soprano Erika Grimaldi returns to sing Puccini’s most tragic heroine, while Gaston Rivero makes his New Zealand debut in one of his signature roles.
Also making a welcome return is baritone Richard Šveda, as Sharpless and mezzo-soprano Elisabeth Jansson takes on the role of Suzuki in her New Zealand debut.
In Puccini, however, it’s above all the orchestra which sings with heartbreaking beauty, sophistication and overwhelming power. The Auckland Philharmonia’s Opera in Concert is one of the must-see events of the season, and with Maestro Giordano Bellincampi caressing this wonderful score it is true luxury casting.