Coming to Cheltenham for the first time ever, the Ukrainian National Opera is appearing on the Everyman Theatre stage for one night only on Thursday 16 March 2023, as part of a UK-wide tour of Puccini’s opera, Madama Butterfly - and the show is set to star one lucky Gloucestershire child!
Described as one of the most colourful and exotic yet tragic operas, Madama Butterfly is set in Japan at the turn of the last century, telling the story of the doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride.
The lucky Ava Warren, a seven-year-old girl from Gloucestershire, has been chosen to perform alongside the world-class singers, portraying the son of Madama Butterfly, 'Sorrow'.
Ava attends the children's Everyman choir each week and the opportunity to perform with the Ukrainian National Opera is particularly special for her and her family as she is of Ukrainian heritage, with her great-grandfather originating from the country.
Producer, Alexej Ignatow of Amande Concerts Ltd said: 'We are really excited to be presenting this opera company to UK audiences in these difficult times. The journey has been extremely challenging, but I am glad we have overcome the many extraordinary obstacles and have now received all the necessary visas and clearances for the Ukrainian artists.
The cast has been rehearsing vigorously over the last five weeks, and will continue to do so until the very moment when they will be leaving for the UK.'
Audiences can expect to hear beautiful arias such as 'One Fine Day' and 'Love Duet', as well as the 'Humming Chorus' which has been a firm favourite with opera-goers for over a century.
The Dnipro Opera From Ukraine presents: Madama Butterfly is on stage on Thursday 17 March 2023 at 7.30pm.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
