Anton Juan puts new spin on Madame Butterfly

June 22-23, 2012, 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Mako Mishimoto, soprano

Dante Alcalá, tenor

Camille Lopez-Molina, soprano

Andrew Fernando, baritone
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Lim Yau, conductor

“The music event of the year” were the strong words that MusicArtes Inc. had for Madame Butterfly during the press conference for this production that was held recently. Madame Butterfly will be the second opera to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines this year, the first being La Traviata and it all happens on June 22-23, 2012, 8:00 PM at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The opera, with well loved music by Giacomo Puccini will be brought to life by Japanese soprano Mako Nishimoto, Mexican tenor Dante Alcalá and the Philippines’ very own, soprano Camille Lopez-Molina and baritone Andrew Fernando. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Singaporean Maetsro Lim Yau will provide live accompaniment for this limited two night performance.

Cio-cio San understudy Fame Flores

I’ve been a huge fan of Puccini’s music and I’ve always imagined that my first ever opera experience would be one of his works. La Traviata was my first ever opera but I don’t mind at all having Madame Butterfly as my second. One thing that I didn’t mind at all was having Dr. Anton Juan as the director along with Maestro Francisco Feliciano as music director. The first thing that came to mind when I read Dr. Juan's attached to this production was a play that he wrote, starred and directed titled Sakurahime that I saw almost seventeen years ago. This play that was also set in Japan gave me a glimpse of how amazing the mind of Dr. Juan works and it made me curious as to what his approach will be for Madame Butterfly. Equally interesting is the inclusion of designer Leeroy New who will be in charge of set and costume designs. Dr. Juan also discussed seemingly abstract concepts like memory that he will incorporate in this production. He also mentioned that he demanded Mako Nishimoto to learn the butoh which is a kind of dance/movement since he will also include it in the opera. So hearing Dr. Juan’s vision and knowing Leeroy’s visuals, I am already expecting Madame Butterfly to be a very visually and emotionally stimulating experience.

Also included in this production are top Filipino singers like Jonathan Velasco, Lemuel de la Cruz, John Glenn Gaerlan, Nonon Baang, Jun Jaranilla, Fame Flores, Jade Riccio and members of Viva Voce and graduates of the UP College of Music, UST Conservatory of Music and St. Scholastica’s College. John Batalla handles the light design while Pat Valera takes on video design duties.

This production of Madame Butterfly is supported by Toyota Motor Philippines, New World Manila Hotel and Smart Communications.

Ticket prices:

P3000 Orchestra Center

P2500 Orchestra Side

P1500 Balcony I Center

P1000 Balcony I Side

P500 Balcony II

-50% student discount on Balcony Section only

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704

MusicArtes, Inc 895-8098, (0917) 908-5088

TicketWorld 891-9999