Madama Butterfly

Discover Puccini's heartbreaking opera “Madama Butterfly“ at the Vienna State Opera! This Japanese tragedy tells the moving story of the young Cio-Cio-San, known as Butterfly, who falls in love with the American naval lieutenant Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton. For him, marriage is a non-binding convenience, but for Butterfly it means everything.

After she converts to Christianity and accepts the break with her family, she remains alone in Nagasaki while Pinkerton returns to the USA. Three years later he returns with his new wife to take home the child Butterfly gave birth to after his departure. In deep despair, Butterfly prepares the child to leave and takes her own life.

This poetic production, rich in Japanese stylistic elements, was created by the Hollywood director Anthony Minghella, who died in 2008, and is a co-production of the Metropolitan Opera New York, the English National Opera and the Lithuanian National Theater of Opera and Ballet. Carolyn Choa, who was married to Minghella, took on the elaborate new production for the premiere at the Vienna State Opera in September 2020.

Puccini enriches his musical language with original and mediated Far Eastern sources and thus stages a criticism of colonialism. He uses melodies from a music box made in Switzerland for export to China, a percussion system expanded to include Japanese instruments and was inspired by a Kabuki theater performance. The exoticism in Puccini's Butterfly score is more than just folkloric decor, but makes the work fruitful for postcolonial questions.

Experience the deep emotions and tragic beauty of “Madama Butterfly.“ Secure your tickets now for this unforgettable opera experience at the Vienna State Opera!

program

Madama Butterfly
Giacomo Puccini
Tragedia giapponese
Text Luigi Illica & Giuseppe Giacosa

Place

Vienna State Opera – World-Renowned Stage for Opera and Ballet in the Heart of Vienna

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world's leading opera houses and a cultural landmark of Austria. Located prominently in the heart of Vienna, along the famous Ringstrasse, it offers outstanding opera productions featuring international stars and a renowned ballet ensemble.

Since its grand opening in 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been synonymous with musical excellence, artistic perfection, and an extensive repertoire ranging from operatic classics to contemporary works. Each season, it stages more than 300 performances, including world-famous operas such as Mozart’s "The Magic Flute", Verdi’s "La Traviata", and Puccini’s "Tosca".

Alongside its acclaimed opera productions, the Vienna State Opera is also home to the celebrated Vienna State Ballet, renowned for both classical and contemporary dance performances. The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a prestigious social event with international prominence.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• Lines U1, U2, U4 – Karlsplatz station, direct access

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, D, 62, 71 – Oper/Karlsplatz stop

Bus:

• Line 59A – Oper stop

Its central location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse ensures convenient and easy access.

Vienna State Opera – A Symbol of Viennese Culture and Musical Excellence

As one of the world's premier opera houses, the Vienna State Opera is an essential destination for opera enthusiasts, music lovers, and visitors seeking to experience the cultural heart of Vienna.