Calgary Opera’s new production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is the season opener for the company. This is the sixth time the company has presented the opera, the first being the first opera I attended upon coming to Calgary. In the words of the still-remembered ad for Virginia Slims, “You’ve come a long way, baby.” Article content Article content

With a striking set, a co-production with Arizona Opera and Opera Grand Rapids, and attractive costumes, the show is visually attractive and a pleasure to see. The principal singers are all new to Calgary and experienced in their roles. They delivered the goods, vocally speaking, with the major arias beautifully sung and the story well told in dramatic terms.

While the Japanese side of the story is crucial to the opera, it has, in the past,

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