When the young geisha, Cio–Cio–San, marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton, she believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life. Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion – with tragic consequences.

With a score that includes Butterfly’s aria, ‘Un bel dì, vedremo’ (‘One fine day’) and the Humming Chorus, Giacomo Puccini’s opera is entrancing and ultimately heart–breaking. Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s exquisite production takes inspiration from 19th–century European images of Japan. Asmik Grigorian performs the role of Cio–Cio–San, with Kevin John Edusei conducting.