Madama Butterfly | Vancouver Opera

Vancouver Opera is proud to announce the grand finale of its 2024–2025 season with Giacomo Puccini’s most deeply-felt and imaginative opera, Madama Butterfly. Gorgeous staging, transcendent melodies, and a timeless tale of love and loss make Madama a must-see season finale. This production features a stellar international cast—including star sopranos Yasko Sato and Karen Chia-Ling Ho—and a creative team that brings authenticity to this beloved, emotionally charged opera.

Madama Butterfly tells the poignant story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries American naval officer B.F. Pinkerton, only to face heartbreak and tragedy. Puccini’s lush and emotive score guides the audience through themes of love, betrayal, and hope, making it one of the most enduring works in the operatic repertoire.

“We’re honoured to close our 2024–2025 season with a production that captures the passion and tragedy at the heart of Madama Butterfly,” says Tom Wright, General Director of Vancouver Opera. “This opera has captivated audiences for generations, and under the direction of Mo Zhou, it will be a powerful experience. Our exceptional cast, featuring international talent from Japan, Korea, Canada, and beyond, brings a depth of authenticity and artistry that makes this production truly special.”

Leading the Vancouver Opera Orchestra is VO Music Director Jacques Lacombe (Die Fledermaus, Don Pasquale), whose dynamic and nuanced conducting has garnered worldwide acclaim. Appointed as Music Director in 2023, Maestro Lacombe continues to elevate Vancouver Opera’s artistic excellence with every production. Joining him is award-winning stage director Mo Zhou, making her Vancouver Opera debut with Madama Butterfly. A Chinese-American artist celebrated for her innovative and thought-provoking productions, Zhou has been recognized internationally for her ability to bring fresh interpretations to classic works. Her extensive experience includes productions across the United States, Europe, and Asia, where she has been praised for her ability to blend striking visuals with deep emotional storytelling.

An International Cast:

The role of Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly) will be performed by two exceptional sopranos:

• Yasko Sato (April 26, May 1, May 3): Tokyo-born soprano Yasko Sato makes her Vancouver Opera and Canadian debut in this production. She has previously portrayed Cio-Cio-San in performances throughout Italy, the United States, Belgium, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, and Japan.
• Karen Chia-Ling Ho (April 27, May 4): Celebrated for her powerful and emotive performances, Korean-American soprano Karen Chia-Ling Ho brings depth and passion to the role of Cio-Cio-San in her Vancouver Opera debut. Her international acclaim includes performances in major opera houses across Asia and North America.

The role of B.F. Pinkerton will be performed by two distinguished tenors:

• Robert Watson (April 26, May 1, May 3): Making his Vancouver Opera debut is American tenor Robert Watson who is known for his “powerful, clarion sound” and compelling stage presence. He has performed leading roles in major opera houses across the US and Europe.
• Adam Luther (April 27, May 4): Canadian tenor Adam Luther is acclaimed for his “bright, ringing tone” and versatility in a wide range of repertoire. He has appeared with leading opera companies and orchestras across Canada.

Additional principal cast members of Madama Butterfly include Japanese mezzo-soprano Nozomi Kato making her Vancouver Opera debut as Suzuki, Canadian baritone Brett Polegato (Don Giovanni, Eugene Onegin) as Sharpless, Korean-American tenor Julius Ahn (Turandot) as Goro, Korean bass Insung Sim making his Vancouver Opera debut as The Bonze, Canadian baritone Luka Kawabata (Carmen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Prince Yamadori, and Canadian soprano Heidi Duncan (Die Fledermaus, Carmen) as Kate Pinkerton.

This diverse casting underscores Vancouver Opera’s commitment to presenting authentic and culturally resonant performances. The principals are joined by members of the Vancouver Opera Chorus and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.

Adds Wright, “The enthusiasm for this opera has been overwhelming, with ticket sales already tracking at the same level as our sold-out performances of Carmen last season. We encourage audiences to secure their seats early for what promises to be one of the most breathtaking productions Vancouver Opera has ever staged.”

Tickets for Madama Butterfly are now available and selling rapidly. Given the overwhelming response to last season’s Carmen, audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets early to ensure the best seating options. Tickets can be purchased online at vancouveropera.ca or by calling the VO Ticket Centre at 604-683-0222 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).

Join us for the 65th Anniversary Gala:

In addition to the performances, Vancouver Opera invites you to celebrate its 65th anniversary with a signature gala event on the set of Madama Butterfly. This elegant evening will feature a themed four-course dinner, live entertainment, and the opportunity to support Vancouver Opera’s future productions. The gala will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:00PM on the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For information, visit the website.

Vancouver Opera creates extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire and entertain through voice, music and theatre. Vancouver Opera is the second largest professional opera company in Canada and is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions, country-leading education programs and innovative community programs. Learn more at www.vancouveropera.ca.

Vancouver Opera has the continuing support of The Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Canada, the BC Arts Council and BC Provincial Government, the City of Vancouver Cultural Services and Vancouver Civic Theatres. Vancouver Opera’s season sponsors are BMO, Mission Hill Family Estate, and the Alan and Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation.