Madame Butterfly soars
Grammy-nominated conductor leads Skagit Opera
by Dr. Mitchell Kahn
The Skagit Opera opened its two week run of Puccini’s beloved opera, Madam Butterfly, at McIntyre Hall led by its rising international star conductor, Alastair Willis, 2009 Grammy nominee for “Best Classical Recording.” Willis’ dramatic conducting produced a fine, nuanced performance of electrifying intensity.
Madam Butterfly, one of the all-time favorite operas, full of passion and pathos, tells the story of the love between an American sailor and a Japanese Geisha during the opening of Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. Leading an international star cast, German soprano Christina Kowalski singing the demanding title role for the first time in the United States, portrayed a character of extraordinary complexity, dramatic and poignant. Tenor Stephen Rumph, the handsome and rakish Pinkerton, produced a lovely legato that was both soaring and unspeakably tender. New York City Opera veteran baritone, Charles Robert Stephen sang gorgeously and acted flawlessly as the sympathetic counsel, Sharpless. Seattle Opera regulars, Sarah Mattox and Karl Marx Reyes gave polished and idiomatic performances of Suzuki and Goro, equal to any on the national opera scene today.
The beautiful set, evocative of an old Japan, redolent with cherry blossoms, shoji screens and pale moonlight, provides a admirable frame for the unfolding drama.
Photo credit - John Janson
Skagit Opera performs in Mt Vernon at McIntyre Hall, a beautiful, intimate venue noted for its excellent acoustics, designed by the same firm that designed Benaroya Hall in Seattle. With ticket prices one-quarter that of the Seattle Opera, the Skagit Opera is an amazing bargain. Their performances should not be missed by any anyone who appreciates live classical vocal music. Remaining tickets at the box office http://www.skagitopera.org.
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