by Meg Carroll
One of the most renowned operas of all time is opening Sunday, January 29th at 3:00 p.m. at the Koger Center for a one time matinee—Madame Butterfly. The elaborate, full-scale, vocally rich performance is made possible by Columbia’s very own Palmetto Opera in conjunction with Teatro Lirico D’Europa.
Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly follows the tale of Cio-Cio-San, a Japanese teenager, who finds herself in the throes of a love affair with an American naval officer, Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton. However, Cio-Cio-San’s love is unrequited, unbeknownst to her, leaving the operatic audience to despair over Cio-Cio-San’s devotion and Pinkerton’s debauchery. The famous aria for which Madame Butterfly is known, “Un bel di, vedremo” or “One fine day, we’ll see,” is sung by Cio-Cio-San in anticipation of the return of her wayward American lover.
For this performance of Madame Butterfly, Palmetto Opera has paired with Teatro Lirico D’Europa, an organization that sources opera singers from all over the world. The part of Cio-Cio-San will be sung by Melliangee Pérez, from Puerto Rico, who boasts many operatic distinctions as well as numerous lead soprano roles. The part of B.F. Pinkerton will be played by Alessio Borraggine, from Italy, who has a habit of receiving rave reviews on his beautiful tenor voice.
Pairing with an organization like Teatro Lirico D’Europa allows some of the most prestigious voices to come to South Carolina, yes, but Teatro Lirico D’Europa also provides set designs, costumes, and professionally trained instrumental musicians as well. This makes for all the more ornate of an opera performance, which we get to enjoy in our very own home state of South Carolina.
When speaking with the Palmetto Opera Board Chairman (and Jasper Project board member), Paul Leo, about the reasons behind Palmetto Opera’s choosing Madame Butterfly, he cited the opera’s longevity and respectability. This opera has been performed since 1904 and is one of the most famous operas in the world, and it has inspired countless other artistic projects in its wake, including the Broadway musical Miss Saigon.
Paul Leo has been head of the Board of Directors at the Palmetto Opera for about three years now, although Palmetto Opera itself has existed for about twenty. Since its start in 2001, Palmetto Opera and its board of directors has been dedicated to bringing professional opera to the state. Leo notes that the board holds fast to the distinction that Palmetto Opera is the only organization producing “Grand Opera” in South Carolina.
The board of directors operates on a volunteer basis, and Leo stresses that the collaboration of the board is vital to the success of the shows that they put on. Currently, the board consists of the aforementioned Chairman Paul Leo, Program Director Mari Hazel, and Artistic Director Peter Barton, among others.
The Palmetto Opera has performed many of the most popular operas, including the best of Porgy and Bess, Carmen, and La Bohème. This performance of Madame Butterfly will actually be the third that the organization has sponsored, indicating perhaps a fierce loyalty to and admiration of this production.
When asked what Leo loves most about opera in general, he said, “It is built to last! An art form perfected before the availability of electronic amplification and enhancement, it simply transcends fad and fashion.”
The only local in the opera will be 5-year-old Asher Cobb, playing the part of Sorrow. When he is not rehearsing for his part in Madame Butterfly, he enjoys trains and jumping in muddy puddles.
As for what’s to come, Palmetto Opera is going to keep on with its mission to bring professional opera to South Carolina. Their next performance in May will be Great Voices: From Broadway to Opera. But they always need help from local opera lovers. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so here.
Tickets for this one time matinee of Madame Butterfly can be purchased on the Koger Center’s website here.
