Madama Butterfly

About the Event

La Piccola Lirica presents its pocket‐sized version of Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, with additional readings from renowned works of literature. It combines parts of the opera with new musical technology to create a unique experience at the Teatro Flainano in Rome's historic centre.

The "shortened opera" (Piccola Lirica) is a new adaptation of the opera, with a focus on its popular arias and essential melodies. Furthermore, it offers an innovative reading of the most celebrated masterpieces of lyric repertory. The recited verses are taken from famous literature which inspired librettists, enriching the performance with historical context.

The Piccola Lirica Midi Orchestra is the fusion between singers, new audio digital technology, keyboard players and a conductor. In order to create this pocket‐sized Madame Butterfly, the four musicians use electronic keyboards and samplers to play the parts usually performed by 60 musicians. This new arrangement of Puccini's famous opera lasts about 90 minutes and is ideally suited to the surroundings of the Teatro Flaiano.  

The Independent (April 15th 2007) and The New York Times have singled out Piccola Lirica for its contemporary adaptation. Both newspapers cites the Italian production as enjoyable for spectators of every age and interest.