Vero Beach Opera opens its 2018 season with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at 3 p.m. on January 14 with the Atlantic Classical Orchestra under the direction of Metropolitan Opera conductor Caren Levine.

“We are delighted with our first collaboration with the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, which we have wanted to do for many years,” said Dr Joan Ortega-Cowan, President of Vero Beach Opera.

The main character of Madama Butterfly – a young Japanese geisha who clings to the belief that her arrangement with a visiting US naval officer is a loving and permanent marriage – is one of the defining roles of opera and will be performed by soprano Maria Antunez. . The lyrical beauty of Puccini’s score, especially the completely believable music of the lead role, made the opera timeless.

In addition to an international cast, Madama Butterfly will also include local talent. Italian soprano Tiziana Lahey, member of Vero Beach Opera and resident of Vero Beach, will sing the role of Kate. Particularly exciting is the introduction of 4-year-old Drew Alexander Upton as Sorrow, the son of Madama Butterfly and Pinkerton.

The Stetson University Opera Theater choir will perform under the direction of conductor Russell Franks, who is also the stage manager of the Vero Beach Opera.

The show will take place at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach.

All seats are reserved and tickets are $ 30, $ 40, $ 50 and $ 100. Student tickets are half price.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 772-564-5537 as well as online at www.VeroBeachOpera.org.