Puccini: Madama Butterfly (Opera Ballet Vlaanderen: Sept-Oct 2024)

I was delighted to be asked to sing the small soprano solo of La Cugina for OBV in Madama Butterfly. It is an opera that I have wanted to have the opportunity to perform in ever since I watched it as a student in Manchester performed at the Lowry Centre by Opera North, and then again as a live broadcast of it from Glyndebourne a few years ago. I have to confess that the humming chorus is quite possibly some of the most tranquil and enchanting music I have ever heard. However, technically speaking, to make the humming chorus sound easy is a HUGE challenge. It also happens to be incredibly challenging for a soprano to sing “in bocca chiusa” or with her mouth closed whilst at the very top of her range. It is a feat that is neither tranquil or enchanting for the singer herself! However I have been enjoying the challenge every night, and the feedback we have received is that the effect is magical and peaceful to reflect the passing of time during the opera.


The concept for this production is black and white. The set is mostly pure white, which is in contrast to the black costumes that the majority of the cast are wearing.
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