Great Britain, Italy

For any opera which in its original form met with derision, Puccini's Madame Butterfly has more than proved those just critics wrong. It is now one of the standard and favourite works adored by opera-lovers everywhere. Its themes of love and heartbreak are common in almost every human experience and its plethora of beautiful melodies make it immediately attractive to audiences everywhere. Raina Kabaivanska has made the title role a speciality and is partnered in this recording from the open-air Arena di Verona by Nazzareno Antinori as Pinkerton, with Lorenzo Saccomani as Sharpless. The Orchestra of the Arena is conducted by Maurizio Arena.