Chandry Abreu and Hak Soo Kim Photo by Lance W. Ozier Todos Juntos Photography

Often overshadowed by the larger Santa Fe Opera, Opera Southwest presents a regular season of at least four operas and has been a leader in educational outreach programs and the presenting of operas in Spanish. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tony Zancanella, the company has instituted several innovative, cooperative programs including recently bringing the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus under its wing. Opera Southwest performs at the National Hispanic Cultural Center's Roy E. Disney Performing Arts Center's 691 seat Journal Theatre.

Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini is the second production for Opera Southwest this season. For over a century, this often-performed, tragic tale of a geisha's love, steadfastness, and heartbreak has been enchanting audiences around the world. Puccini's score continues to enrapture today. Madama Butterfly is best known for its exquisite arias for sopranos.

Opera Southwest's production is first rate. Even the last-minute substitution of the soprano singing Cio-Cio San does not mar this lovely presentation. Indeed, all the principals are excellent.

Cecilia Violetta Lopez, as Butterfly, has a delicate but strong voice that easily sings the role. Her demeanor and her acting acumen are also excellent. She makes us feel the pain of her abandonment. The Korean-American tenor Hak Soo Kim returns to lyric opera as Pinkerton after a sojourn in Bel Canto on the concert stage. He sings the role with ease. Matthew Hanscom brings a commanding baritone to the role of Sharpless. Laurel Semerdjian is a strong Suzuki. Rounding out the cast are John Tiranno as Goro, Javier Ortiz as Yamadori and the Imperial Commissioner, and Ivan Conrad as Bonzo. All are highly effective in these supporting roles.

The 38-piece orchestra under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor Anthony Barrese is outstanding. Their accompaniment of the singers provides excellent support, with mellifluent, soaring orchestral solos that are highlights. The Opera Southwest Chorus, an ensemble of twenty-one voices under the direction of Chorus Master Aaron Howe, contributes greatly to the illustrious music of Madama Butterfly.

Costumes are in cooperation with Alice Bristow for the Utah Symphony/Utah Opera and are well done. The set by Carey Wong is both pleasing and practical. The lighting design by Daniel Chapman is particularly effective, especially the sunset and sunrise. Susan Stone Li directs the production and coordinates all aspects harmoniously.

With a running time of two hours and 45 minutes, and only one intermission, this Madama Butterfly is a swift and very entertaining evening in the theatre. Opera Southwest is a distinguished cultural resource for Albuquerque and all of New Mexico.

Madama Butterfly, an Opera Southwest production, runs through November 3, 2024, at the Journal Theatre of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, Albuquerque NM. For tickets and information, please call 505 243-0591 or visit OperaSouthwest.org.

Conductor, Anthony Barrese, Director, Susan Stone Li, Scene Design by Carey Wong, Costumes by Alice Bristow, Lighting Design by Daniel Chapman, Chorus Master, Aaron Howe.

The Cast: Cecilia Violetta Lopez, Hak Soo Kim, Matthew Hanscom, Laurel Semerdjian, John Tiranno, Javier Ortiz, Ivan Conrad, Chandry Abreu, Kieran S. Babej, Ennio Fermo, Colin Burdge, Lina Ramos, Ashli Saenz, Karla Eickhoff, and the Opera Southwest Chorus and Orchestra.