Butterfly Lands in Milwaukee

September 19, 2024   (Milwaukee)— The Florentine Opera’s will launch its 91st season with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, a collaborative production with Virginia Opera and Kentucky Opera. Performances will take place on Friday, October 18th at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 20th at 2:30 PM.

Madama Butterfly, one of Puccini’s most iconic operas, tells the story of a young Japanese woman, Cio-Cio-San, and her tragic relationship with an American naval officer, Lt. Pinkerton.

All-female, AAPI Creative Team:
Director Mo Zhou has set this production of Madama Butterfly in the period following World War II, a time when thousands of Japanese women married American soldiers. While some marriages were based on love, many were driven by fear for their futures. These “war brides” often faced rejection by both American and Japanese societies. Zhou’s decision to place the opera in this context draws deliberate parallels between this historical moment and the themes of Madama Butterfly, deepening the audience’s understanding of Cio-Cio San’s tragic journey.

Director Mo Zhou says, “In many ways, this production feels like fate – one that chose me, rather than the other way around. I hope the performance compels you to see Madama Butterfly through a new lens, one that acknowledges the histories it represents and the voices it has long silenced. This work is both a tribute to and a challenge of the opera’s legacy.”

Hiroshima-born movement/cultural consultant Asuka Morinaga Derfler, a New York City-based actor and former member of Haiyuza Theater Company of Tokyo is bringing a very historic representation of cultural norms and movement of our retelling.

Cast & Crew:   
Florentine Music Director Francesco Milioto takes to the podium, his first of three productions to conduct this season,  and directed by Mo Zhou. The role of Butterfly will be sung by soprano Karen Chia-Ling Ho, with tenor Adam Diegel as Lt. Pinkerton.

General Director & CEO, Maggey Oplinger, says, “Madama Butterfly is not only one of the most iconic operas ever written, it’s also one of the most moving and beloved. Puccini’s story and music has haunted newcomers and opera veterans since its creation. We’re finding new ways to celebrate and share this piece, and this show’s all female and AAPI creative team are bringing the beloved Butterfly to life for Milwaukee. We haven’t experienced this opera in 9 years here, and can’t wait to hum the humming chorus on the way out of the theater!”

Karen Chia-Ling Ho: Soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho made notable debuts in the 2023/24 season with Opera Philadelphia, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Carolina, and Virginia Opera, performing the title role in Madama Butterfly. She also returned to the Metropolitan Opera to cover Mimì in La Bohème and to San Francisco Opera to cover Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly. Ms. Ho’s past credits include her Metropolitan Opera debut in Philip Glass’ Akhnaten and performances with San Francisco Opera, Hong Kong Arts Festival, and Carnegie Hall.

Adam Diegel: Korean American tenor Adam Diegel is internationally recognized for his powerful voice, dramatic sensibilities, and commanding stage presence. He has performed leading roles at major opera houses, including Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly at The Metropolitan Opera under Plácido Domingo and Don José in Carmen at San Francisco Opera. Diegel’s performances have earned critical acclaim, with Opera News praising his “spacious, Italianate tenor” and “impassioned” portrayal of Cavaradossi in Tosca.

Performance Details:

Dates: Friday, October 18th at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 20th at 2:30 PM
Location: Uihlein Hall, Marcus Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Tickets for Madama Butterfly are now available and can be purchased through www.florentineopera.org, emailing  tickets@florentineopera.org, or calling 414.291.5700 ext. 224

Free Event: Get “Versed” on Butterfly

Ahead of the season opener, Florentine Opera will host a free event titled Versed on Wednesday, October 9th at the Wayne & Kristine Lueders Opera Center. The event will feature a panel discussion with Music Director Francesco Milioto, Director Mo Zhou, soprano Karen Chia-Ling Ho, and Florentine Opera’s General Director and CEO Maggey Oplinger. The panel will explore the creative vision behind this production of Madama Butterfly, what audiences should listen for, and offer a sneak peek at the staging. This event aims to provide deeper insight into the production’s artistic direction and the unique perspectives being brought to the work.

Wednesday, October 9th at 5:30pm. This event is free and open to the public at the Wayne & Kristine Lueders Opera Center (926 E Burleigh St).

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.