Puccini: Madama Butterfly ***
Kristīne Opolais (Cio-Cio-San)
© Bill Cooper | ROH
Royal Opera, 20th March 2015
The portents for this Madama Butterfly were highly promising: an effective, if sparse production, with a devastating final scene; a reliable Italian conductor in the pit; and a fine soprano, who made her House debut in this very role. It was in 2011 that Kristīne Opolais stepped in for an indisposed Patricia Racette and wowed London audiences as Cio-Cio-San, the teenage bride bought by US naval officer Pinkerton. Her return to Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s sepia and cream production, revived by Justin Way, was eagerly anticipated. Yet despite a nuanced, dramatic performance, I left slightly underwhelmed.
Read the full review on Bachtrack.