In the summer of 2025 on Margaret Island, the role of the young geisha will be performed by Italian soprano Francesca Sassu, with Szabolcs Brickner, member of the Vienna Volksoper and frequent guest soloist of the Hungarian State Opera, as Pinkerton.

Francesca Sassu made her Hungarian debut at the Hungarian State Opera alongside Plácido Domingo as Amelia Grimaldi in Simon Boccanegra, and later as Desdemona in Otello. Her magnificent voice has captivated audiences in roles such as Micaëla in Franco Zeffirelli’s famous Carmen at the Arena di Verona, and Nedda in a new production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci conducted by Daniel Oren at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna.

Both in his personal life and artistic work, Puccini was drawn to scandalous relationships. Madama Butterfly is another heartbreaking tale of honor, loyalty, and love. As a mature composer, Puccini explores his characters' emotional worlds with powerful musical depth—ranging from playful lightness to rapturous love, steadfast heroism, and raw anguish.

The opera’s libretto is based on a short story published in 1898 by John Luther Long, which was adapted into a play by David Belasco. Puccini saw the play in London and was immediately captivated by the theme. Soon after, he secured the rights to set it to music.

To compose authentic Japanese-sounding music, Puccini consulted the wife of the Japanese ambassador, who was vacationing in Viareggio. She introduced him to Japanese folk songs, which he wove into the beautifully orchestrated score of Madama Butterfly, incorporating Far Eastern instruments to create a uniquely inspired and atmospheric musical world.

To this day, Madama Butterfly remains one of the most frequently performed Puccini operas worldwide.

Rain date: 29 June

Source and photo: Margaret Island Theatre