Russian State Opera: Madama Butterfly

No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini's Madama Butterfly.

Set in Japan at the turn of the last century, it is the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy.

Though infinitely sad and tragic, the compelling tale of Madama Butterfly remained Puccini’s favourite opera – his supreme theatrical achievements also gave the world some of the most sublime and beautiful arias in history - One Fine Day and Love Duet, as well as the Humming Chorus which has been popular with opera-goers for over a century.

This touching tale of innocent love crushed between two utterly different cultures resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world.