Tag Archives: Puccini

Clattering cherry blossom: solid revival of Madama Butterfly at Covent Garden

Puccini: Madama Butterfly *** 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 … Continue reading

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Crushed: Exquisite Madam Butterfly suffers in the RAH

Puccini: Madam Butterfly *** Royal Albert Hall, 26th February 2015 Take an exquisite production of a Puccini tearjerker, cast it attractively… then crush its fragile wings under the weight of the Albert Hall’s vastness. Madama Butterfly is a perfect opera … Continue reading

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‘Shabby shocker’ fails to impress

Puccini: Tosca ** Metropolitan Opera, 9th November 2013 Putting tried and trusted productions out to grass and replacing them is always a gamble. ENO unveiled its new Magic Flute last week, a spritely filly though some will hanker after Hytner’s … Continue reading

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Classic production of Madama Butterfly receives a red-blooded performance

Puccini: Madama Butterfly *** Welsh National Opera, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 23rd March 2013 As Lieutenant Pinkerton peruses his new house, a traditional Japanese construction with sliding shoji paper doors, purchased on a 999 year lease – with an option to … Continue reading

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Finely honed performances in Grange Park Opera’s Madama Butterfly

Puccini: Madama Butterfly **** Grange Park Opera, 31st May 2012 Festival Season is upon us once again. Situated in picturesque Hampshire landscape, Grange Park Opera is perhaps the most idyllic of them all. The Doric portico at the Greek temple … Continue reading

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