A Timeless Love Story Unveiled: “Madama Butterfly” at Teatro Massimo, Palermo
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of passion, sacrifice, and operatic splendor as the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Sicily, welcomes you to its enchanting 2024 season featuring Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece, “Madama Butterfly.” Set within the magnificent Teatro Massimo, a symbol of cultural grandeur that graces the heart of Palermo, this opera promises to transport you to a realm of timeless beauty and dramatic artistry. The fusion of Puccini’s evocative music with the opulence of the venue sets the stage for an evening of unparalleled emotion and unforgettable performances, making it an absolute must-see for those seeking the ultimate cultural experience in Sicily.
The Package
Music trip to Sicily with a performance at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
The Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy with a perfect acoustics and with magnificent reception rooms, galleries and monumental staircases. The neoclassical building dates back to the 19th century. The Teatro Massimo was the location for some scenes of the film “The Godfather” in which the godfather Michael Corleone attended the debut of his son in Pietro Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana”.
Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Palermo and Sicily. Choose a performance from the extensive program of operas, concerts and ballets and select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.
A Tragic Tale of Love and Betrayal: The Story of "Madama Butterfly"
“Madama Butterfly” weaves a heart-wrenching narrative of love, longing, and cultural collision. The story unfolds as a young Japanese geisha, Cio-Cio-San, known as Madama Butterfly, falls in love with an American naval officer, Lieutenant Pinkerton, during a whirlwind romance that culminates in marriage. However, Pinkerton’s return to America leaves Butterfly to endure years of isolation, raising their child alone, unwaveringly convinced that her husband will come back to her. The arrival of Pinkerton and his new American wife shatters Butterfly’s dreams and leads to a devastating climax of heartbreak and tragedy.
Puccini’s emotionally charged score, with arias like “Un bel dì vedremo” and “Humming Chorus,” underscores the depth of the characters’ emotions, resonating with the audience’s own passions and vulnerabilities. As you witness the drama unfold on the grand stage of Teatro Massimo, prepare to be moved by the compelling portrayal of love and betrayal, and the profound impact of cultural differences on human lives. Join us for an evening of heart-wrenching beauty as “Madama Butterfly” graces the stage in Palermo, where passion and tragedy converge, and the music of Puccini reaches into the depths of your soul, leaving you forever touched by its profound and enduring legacy.
The Artists and Creative Team
Japanese tragedy in two acts by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Conductor to be defined
Director • Nicola Berloffa
Scene Designs • Fabio Cherstich
Costume Designs • Valeria Donata Bettella
Lighting Designs • Valerio Tiberi
Teatro Massimo Chorus and Orchestra
Allestimento del Teatro Massimo di Palermo
in coproduzione con il Macerata Opera Festival
Cast
Cio-cio-san • Maria Agresta (16, 18, 21, 23) • Valeria Sepe (17, 20, 22, 24)
Pinkerton • Jonathan Tetelman (16, 18, 21, 23) • Ivan Magrì (17, 20, 22, 24)
Suzuki • Silvia Beltrami (16, 18, 21, 23) • Irene Savignano (17, 20, 22, 24)
Sharpless • Simon Mechliński (16, 18, 21, 23) • Lodovico Filippo Ravizza (17, 20, 22, 24)
Goro • Didier Pieri
Zio Bonzo • Nicolò Ceriani
Yamadori • Italo Proferisce
Kate • Emanuela Sgarlata
Performance Dates of MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season 2024
In Palermo at the Teatro Massimo