Madama Butterfly, by Giacamo Puccini was first performed in Milan in 1904.  Despite the tragic story, it has some of the most beautiful music in all of opera.  Set in Nagasaki, Japan around 1900, it tells the story of Lieutenant Pinkerton, an American naval officer who marries Cio-Cio-San, a young girl who is called Madam Butterfly.  Her relatives are shocked, and desert her when she gives up her religion for Pinkerton’s.  The American consul, Sharpless, has many misgivings about the marriage as well.  Soon Pinkerton returns to America, and Butterfly is left to wait for his return, supported by her faithful servant Suzuki.  Pinkerton returns after three years, having learned that he has a son, bringing his American wife Kate.  She asks Cio-Cio-San to give up her son to be raised in America.  Cio-Cio-San tearfully agrees, if his father will come take him.  Tragically, she kills herself. (excerpted from Quaintance Eaton’s Opera Production)

Holly Bewlay, Associate Professor in Voice at Buffalo State, will sing the role of Cio-Cio-San.  Robert Zimmerman is Lieutenant Pinkerton, Katie Hannigan is Suzuki, and Eric Kesler is Sharpless.  Tim Kennedy, Artistic Director of Buffalo Opera Unlimited will conduct.  Costumes by Bernadine DeMike, Set by David King, lighting by Harry Mandris.  The opera will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.