The protagonists' voices, the dramatic story of fifteen-year-old Japanese girl Cio Cio San, married and abandoned by the vain and cowardly American officer Pinkerton. The music is by Giacomo Puccini.
Lucky for those inside the paying stalls (the 1,200 seats were sold out) and behind the barriers in Piazza d'Italia in Sassari, who had never seen "Madama Butterfly" live. Lucky because the title proposed by the Marialisa de Carolis organization for summer opera has provided a pair of protagonists known for their work on major international stages.
Porto Torres tenor Francesco Demuro was making his debut as Pinkerton, but his powerful vocals combined with his undeniable acting skills gave his character a powerful impact in the first act, confirming his outstanding professional stature. Korean soprano Vittoria Yeo had previously performed the role: her range and nuance were appreciated by the audience, and her diction (perhaps the best among foreign sopranos heard in Sassari) was as exquisite and graceful as the cherry blossoms that gracefully adorned the backdrop.
Baritone Fabian Veloz's Sharpless garnered acclaim, portraying Pinkerton's embarrassment at his behavior. Warm applause also went to Irene Molinari's Suzuki, who flourished in the second and third acts.
Sergio Oliva conducted the de Carolis orchestra with authority. The direction and sets, by Alberto Gazale, were respectful and elegant.
"Madala Butterfly" was dedicated to the organization's choir member Antonello Lambroni, who recently passed away after a serious domestic accident last week. His colleagues in the choir, directed by Francesca Tosi, paid tribute to him before the performance with a closed-mouth chorus in the second act.
