Over the years I have seen three performances of Madame Butterfly and this most recent Utah Opera production was the best so far. Utah Opera has always been a fine company but in recent years it has become an exceptional company. This is one more example.
There are a lot of opera companies in this country, contrary to popular belief, but few are as consistent as Utah Opera under the expert guidance of Christopher McBeth. Not only are you guaranteed to hear one of the best orchestras in the country emanating from the pit, but you are also going to hear and watch singing actors of the highest quality. You can tell that these performers love working for Utah Opera because the end results are always so polished and intimate. I highly advise you to take the opportunity to see world class opera right here in Salt Lake, whether it's your home town or if you're just here to enjoy the equally captivating mountains.
Wonderful casting!! This is probably the best rendition of Madame Butterfly that I had ever seen. Yunah Lee was excellent as Cio-Cio San, and Nina Yoshida Nelson as Suzuki. The little boy was also perfect in his role as "Trouble." The male actors, all of them, were just awesome. I remember the part where Cio-Cio San is resigned to give up her child to her husband's new wife; I was looking around at all my fellow audience members, and seeing faces streaming with tears. Heartbreaking! I would see this again and recommend it to all my friends--very well worth the price of admission.
Lived for years in a city that had that had a famous orchestra; but rarely went because of the cost and difficult access. Utah Symphony is very good, and if you are willing to do floor level, the ticket costs are amazingly low. Can park for free just down the street. Beautiful building and they also have great visiting soloists. Get on their mailing list!
The opera has always been my favorite form of live performance. You get great music, amazing voices, entertaining stories and interesting stage sets all in one package. Utah Opera rates right up there with some of the best I have seen at The Met and San Francisco. The only drawback is the uncomfortable seating in the balcony. Being short, it is not such a problem for me, but anyone with long legs should sit on the main floor.
Simply put, OUTSTANDING !What a wonderful performance, beautiful cast, fantastic job by the Utah Symphony.Not enough words to describe what a great night out enjoying one of our greatest treasures, the Utah Opera.Congratulations to the entire Madam Butterfly Cast ! BRAVO !!!
We just saw Madame Butterfly and it was amazing. What a great cast. We just started attending the opera to see if we would like it and we ended up purchasing season tickets. Try it, you might love it too.
I've been going to the Utah Opera since I graduated high school in 2008. Even when I don't agree with creative decisions made in the production, I always enjoy my evening (except La Boheme-no production can fix that train wreck). The latest production, Madame Butterfly, brought the house to tears. The casting was magnificent and the music on point. I recommend coming early for the lecture before the show that will acclimate you to the style of music and help even an amateur grasp the virtuosity and skill presented. I believe that everyone should visit the opera at least once, but regular visits enhance the experience.
Phenomenal performances! You cannot go wrong with any performance Utah Opera does. Great scenery. Gorgeous wardrobes. Amazing singers from across the globe! Truly worth any performance. Utah Opera delivers a wonderful Night at the Opera!
We went to opening night of Pearl Fishers on Saturday. The two leading male roles were superb and well-casted. The night we went there was a substitution for Nadir who we would have not even known was not casted as the primary choice. He was excellent! The choreography for the opening chorus in the first act was a bit odd and awkward. The chorus was perhaps too large for this stage and costuming was a bit off for the chorus.Overall the opera was well performed and quite well sung by the principals.