The Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San, called Butterfly, revels in happiness when the American lieutenant Pinkerton marries her. Their love culminates in an enchanting duet. Soon after, however, a warship takes the soldier back home.

It is a clash of worlds and values: while Pinkerton feels free and marries an American woman back home, Butterfly, full of love, hope and longing, waits for his return for three long years – together with their child. In her well-known aria »Un bel dì vedremo« she paints a glowing picture of the day that she will see her beloved husband again. Then, however, Pinkerton returns with his American wife and Cio-Cio-San makes an irrevocable decision.

Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, one of the most popular operas today, will be performed on the Seebühne for the first time. Enrique Mazzola, who was also responsible for the Rigoletto production, takes on the role of musical director. Stage Director Andreas Homoki, artistic Director of the Opernhaus in Zurich, leads an internationally renowned creative team. Michael Levine’s magical stage set with its subtle landscape paintings will bring Japanese flair to Lake Constance, supported not least by Antony McDonald’s colourful costumes. McDonald already designed for Un Ballo in Maschera and La Bohème on the Seebühne.

Musical Director Enrique Mazzola, Yi-Chen Lin
Stage Director Andreas Homoki
Stage Designer Michael Levine
Costume Designer Antony McDonald
Lighting Designer Franck Evin
Video Designer Luke Halls
Choreographer Lucy Burge
Sound Designer Alwin Bösch, Clemens Wannemacher
Choir Master Lukáš Vasilek, Benjamin Lack

Bregenzer Festspielchor | Prague  Philharmonic Choir
Wiener Symphoniker