Dubai Opera witnessed a spectacular evening of music, emotion, and drama on the opening night of Giacomo Puccini's timeless opera, “Madama Butterfly,” presented by the renowned Hungarian State Opera. The much-anticipated event took place on the 12th of September, 2023, and will continue to captivate audiences on the 13th of September, 2023.

“Madama Butterfly” is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, sacrifice, and cultural clashes, and the performance delivered by the Hungarian State Opera lived up to every expectation. The audience was treated to a night of exceptional talent, powerful storytelling, and breathtaking music that left a lasting impact.

The production, directed by János Kovács, featured an outstanding cast of international opera stars, including Gabriella Létay Kiss in the role of Cio-Cio-San, and Boldizsár László as Pinkerton. Their impeccable vocal prowess and heartfelt performances transported the audience into the world of Madama Butterfly, where East meets West in a tragic love story for the ages.

Dubai Opera’s state-of-the-art facilities and acoustics provided the perfect backdrop for this operatic masterpiece. The carefully designed set, intricate costumes, and lighting design added to the overall immersive experience, creating a visually stunning production that complemented the powerful music.

The audience was enraptured by the orchestra, conducted by János Kovács,  whose precision and passion brought Puccini’s lush score to life. From the iconic aria “Un bel dì vedremo” to the dramatic climax of the opera, every moment was met with thunderous applause and standing ovations.

The Hungarian State Opera’s presentation of “Madama Butterfly” at Dubai Opera is a testament to the enduring power of opera to move and inspire audiences. This performance is a part of Dubai Opera’s commitment to bringing world-class cultural experiences to the city, enriching the cultural tapestry of Dubai.

In addition to the mesmerizing performances and the enchanting music of “Madama Butterfly,” the opening night at Dubai Opera also showcased a stunning display of elegance among the attendees. The gala drew a distinguished crowd, including H.E. Dr. Zaki Nusseibeh (Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, Cultural Advisor to HH the President), Mr. Zhengjie Liu (Vice Consul General, Consulate General of China in Dubai), H.E. Ashraf Al Deeb (Consul General of Egypt, Egypt Consulate), H.E. Alison Milton (Head of Mission, Ambassador of Ireland, Embassy of Ireland, UAE), H.E. Sunjay Sudhir (Ambassador, Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, UAE), H.E. Jorge Agustin Molina (Ambassador of Argentina, Embassy of Argentina, Abu Dhabi, UAE), Andrad Komar (Global Head Of Communications, Amouage), Philippe Zuber (Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner), Caroline Dumont Frotiee (Managing Director Cartier UAE, Cartier), and Pierre-Yves Wecxsteen (Managing Director Middle East, CHANEL). The guests graced the occasion with their impeccable taste, donning elegant attire that perfectly complemented the sophistication of the opera and the opulence of Dubai Opera’s surroundings. It was truly a night where music, culture, and fashion seamlessly intertwined, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

About Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is the main performing arts center of the United Arab Emirates.

A truly unique venue inaugurated in 2016, Dubai Opera is the city’s only purpose-built multi-format theatre with an Auditorium of 2000 seats and a Studio that accommodate up to 250 patrons, situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar.

Its mission is to serve, unify, and inspire the community of Dubai and beyond by celebrating the cultures of the world. Through excellence in the arts, Dubai Opera aims to build a more vibrant and inclusive society, placing Dubai Opera, Dubai, and the UAE at the forefront of the global cultural scene.

Tickets for the fall/winter 2023 season performances are available for purchase now. For more information and updates, please visit https://www.dubaiopera.com/.