Celine Byrne makes INO's Butterfly a memorable experience

By Andrew Larkin, 25 March 2019

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“Byrne spun her gossamer thread of melody... we were instantly intoxicated”

Reviewed at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin on 24 March 2019

Puccini, Madama Butterfly

Irish National Opera

Timothy Redmond, Conductor

Ben Barnes, Director

Todd Rosenthal, Set Designer

Joan O'Clery, Costume Designer

Celine Byrne, Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly)

Julian Hubbard, Pinkerton

Brett Polegato, Sharpless

Doreen Curran, Suzuki

Eamonn Mulhall, Goro

John Molloy, The Bonze

Niamh O'Sullivan, Kate Pinkerton

Brendan Collins, Prince Yamadori

Robert McAllister, The Imperial Commissioner

Kevin Neville, The Official Registrar

Cormac Lawlor, Yakuside

Bríd Ní Ghruagáin, Cio-Cio-san's mother

Amy Ní Fhearraigh, The cousin

Margaret Bridge, The aunt

Libby Seward, Choreography

John Comiskey, Lighting Designer

Aaron Kelly, Video

Irish National Opera Chorus

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

A noble Norma trapped in a hollow dystopia

Andrew Larkin, 24th May

Salome Jicia delivers a vocally impressive and emotionally committed Norma, but Orpha Phelan’s post-apocalyptic staging fatally weakens Bellini’s sacred tragedy.

***11

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

A rollicking Wild West Elisir in Dublin that hits all the right notes

Andrew Larkin, 27th May

Donizetti heads West in Cal McCrystal's riotous, laugh-out-loud L'elisir d’amore, where dazzling singing meets cowboy capers in a gloriously zany production for Irish National Opera.

*****

Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Andrew Larkin, 23rd March

Ireland’s first Wagner opera in over a decade dazzles with a captivating production by Rachael Hewer for Irish National Opera.

****1

Terrifically strong principals in Irish National Opera’s Rigoletto

Andrew Larkin, 1st December

Michael Chioldi, Soraya Mafi and Bekhzod Davronov shine in Julien Chavez’ energetic production in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre.

****1

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Andrew Larkin

Andrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin.

Superlative Celine Byrne makes INO's Butterfly a memorable experience