Washington National Opera Dedicates MADAMA BUTTERFLY to Japan

Washington National Opera (WNO) has announced that it will dedicate all remaining performances of Madama Butterfly to the people of Japan. At the top of performances, which run through March 19 at the Kennedy Center Opera House, the WNO Orchestra will perform the Japanese National Anthem, entitled "Kimigayo," in honor of all those affected by last week's earthquake and tsunami. Audience members who wish to support disaster relief will be encouraged to do so through the American Red Cross.

Set in Nagasaki, Japan, Madama Butterfly is Giacomo Puccini's classic opera about a young geisha who loses her heart to an American serviceman. It is among the most beloved operas of all time, and the current production by WNO has garnered unprecedented popular and critical acclaim, and most performances have sold out. A complete press release and cast listing for the production may be found on WNO's website.

Moved by the tragedy of last week's natural disaster, the company decided to dedicate remaining performances not only because of Madama Butterfly's references to Japanese culture: WNO has longstanding ties to the Pacific Rim nation. In 2002, WNO took its first and only major international tour to Japan, an 18-day affair featuring three productions and 285 artists, including WNO General Director Plácido Domingo. For more than 30 years, WNO has worked especially closely with the Embassy of Japan, which has hosted several major events and collaborated on cultural and enrichment programming.

Madama Butterfly is performed at the Kennedy Center Opera House on March 14, 15, 17 (matinee) and 19. There is limited availability for remaining performances, with the best availability on Thursday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dc-opera.org or call 800.US.OPERA or 202.295.2400.