Madama Butterfly at the Met: Past, Present, Progress

In-Person Lecture

Presented by the Metropolitan Opera, in association with Japan Society

Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 pm

Since its Metropolitan Opera premiere in 1907, Madama Butterfly has been a fixture of the company’s repertory. While the work’s themes of love, hope and betrayal, keenly wrought through Puccini’s evocative score, are timeless and continue to captivate the contemporary audience, another core element of this opera—the encounter between two different cultures, America and Japan—is an important aspect worthy of addressing now in conjunction with AAPI Heritage Month. Metropolitan Opera radio host Debra Lew Harder, in conversation with music historian Kunio Hara and others, explores the history and evolution of the opera during its 115-year tenure on the Met stage, with a special performance by soprano Eleonora Buratto, currently singing the title role in the Met’s revival of Anthony Minghella’s acclaimed production.

Location: Japan Society (333 East 47th Street, New York)

Image: Ken Howard / Met Opera.