Madame Butterfly

September 21 - October 13, 2024
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Composed by Giacomo  Puccini; conducted by James Conlon

She loved him. He crushed her wings.

At a Glance

  • Korean soprano Karah Son in her signature role 

  • Hollywood-style   visuals   from Goya Award-winning director Mario Gas 

  • James Conlon conducts Puccini’s iconic score 

Lights, camera, action: An American officer in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved. The innocent Cio-Cio-San believes they’re in love, even as Lt. Pinkerton moves on. For three years, she fights off rising debts and new suitors, refusing to believe she’s been abandoned. But when their long-awaited reunion finally arrives, the lieutenant isn’t alone—and he isn’t here for her. End scene. 

Directed by the Goya Award-winning Mario Gas, this stunning Madame Butterfly gets a cinematic twist as all the action takes place on a 1930s film set. Korean soprano Karah Son reprises her signature role as Puccini’s tragic heroine trying to find her way in a world dominated by men. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous Pinkerton, with Hyona Kim as Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s devoted maid who sees right past his gentlemanly facade, and Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, the sympathetic American consul. James Conlon, "the most accomplished music director currently working on the podium of an American opera house" (Opera News), opens the season conducting Puccini's poignant and unforgettable score. 

Interested in our live broadcast?  On September 21st, we will be broadcasting Madame Butterfly live to the Santa Monica Pier and Sylmar's El Cariso park.  Learn more about the event and RSVP  here


Running time: approximately three hours, including one intermission
Sung in: Italian with English subtitles

Click here to read James Conlon's program note on  Madame Butterfly.

Production from Teatro Real, Madrid

Production made possible by generous support from Andrea and Janie Pessino, Alfred and Claude Mann Fund, Chris and Dick Newman, Marie H. Song, Margo Leavin, and The Blue Ribbon. 

LA Opera Orchestra generously underwritten by Terri and Jerry Kohl.

A NOTE ON THIS PRODUCTION
LA Opera acknowledges that many classic works in the operatic repertoire depict racial and gender stereotypes, and Madame Butterfly portrays inaccurate representations of Asian culture. Our presentation of this opera has been prepared in consultation with the Asian Opera Alliance, which encourages companies to continue producing these works with care and appropriate input to examine, acknowledge and mitigate potential harm.   

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Special Events

Newcomer Night 

New to opera? With our  Newcomer package, you get access an exclusive pre-show talk to introduce you to the story and music and an intermission reception with wine and desserts for  Madame Butterfly, Cosi fan tutte and Rigoletto

 Book this 3-Opera Newcomer Package starting at $132 (includes ticket fees). Available for a limited time.

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Pre-Show Talk

Join us one hour prior to showtime for a pre-show talk from Music Director James Conlon, an enormously popular highlight of the LA Opera experience. You'll learn about the history and plot of the opera, as well as key musical moments to look forward to.

Talks are free for ticketholders.

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Give us a call Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm at 213.972.8001 and we'll be more than happy to answer any question you may have.