Madama Butterfly


Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa
Premiered February 17, 1904, La Scala, Milan, Italy

Madama Butterfly makes its highly anticipated return to Opera Colorado, bringing Puccini’s emotionally charged masterpiece to the stage. This iconic opera follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese geisha whose strength and unwavering hope carry her through betrayal, loss, and the struggle to survive in the face of devastating choices.

With its lush, soaring melodies and striking themes of honor and survival, Madama Butterfly remains one of opera’s most moving works.

May 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 | 2026

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House at Denver Performing Arts Complex
Performed in Italian, with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat.

Estimated Length: 2 hours 55 minutes

*Join us one hour prior to each performance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for a free and insightful pre-performance lecture.

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Puccini’s
Madama Butterfly

    May
  • 02
  • 05
  • 07
  • 08
  • 10
  • 2026

Cast

Eri Nakamura

Cio-Cio-San | Bio

Joseph Dennis

Lieutenant Pinkerton | Bio

Kristen Choi

Suzuki | Bio

Levi Hernandez

Sharpless | Bio

Martin Bakari

Goro | Bio

Young Bok Kim

The Bonze | Bio

Creative Team

Headshot of Ari Pelto

Ari Pelto

Conductor | Bio

Sahar Nouri

Chorus Master | Bio

Mo Zhou

Director | Bio