Puccini's operatic masterpiece, Madama Butterfly, tells the tragic story of a young Japanese geisha and her doomed marriage to an American Naval lieutenant. Set in the picturesque gardens of a Japanese villa outside Nagasaki, Cio-Cio San, known to her friends as 'Butterfly' because of her fragile beauty, is preparing to marry Pinkerton, unaware that he can cancel the contract at any time. After the wedding he is called back to America and, for three years, Butterfly waits anxiously for him to return to her and their young son. When Pinkerton finally does return to Japan, he brings with him his new American bride. Madama Butterfly contains some of the most beautiful and memorable operatic music of all time. This co-production between Opera Ireland and the Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy, will feature the Irish debut of the wonderful Korean soprano Yunah Lee while the Italian conductor Bruno dal Bon returns with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra after his triumphant Turandot with Opera Ireland last year. Madama Butterfly plays at The Gaiety Theatre on November 15th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 22nd & 23rd. Tickets priced from €25 to €70 are available from ticketmaster and usual outlets.