When the young geisha, Cio-Cio-San, marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton, she believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life. Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion – with tragic consequences.

With a score that includes Butterfly’s aria, 'Un bel dì, vedremo' (‘One fine day’) and the Humming Chorus, Giacomo Puccini’s opera is entrancing and ultimately heart-breaking. Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s exquisite production takes inspiration from 19th-century European images of Japan. Asmik Grigorian performs the role of Cio-Cio-San, with Kevin John Edusei conducting.

Music Giacomo Puccini

Conductor Kevin John Edusei

Directors Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier

Set Designer Christian Fenouillat

Costume Designer Agostino Cavalca

Lighting Designer Christophe Forey

Cio-Cio-San Asmik Grigorian

Lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton Joshua Guerrero

Sharpless Lauri Vasar

Suzuki Hongni Wu

Goro Ya-Chung Huang

The Bonze Jeremy White

Prince Yamadori Josef Jeongmeen Ahn

Kate Pinkerton Veena Akama-Makia

Imperial Commissioner Romanas Kudriašovas

Royal Opera Chorus

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

A co-production with Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona