Opera On The Water presents Madame Butterfly

Opera lovers are in for a treat next month, with Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly being presented at the Portomaso marina.

The second edition of Opera On The Water is being held on June 17 and 18 and tickets for the two nights - selling at Lm40, Lm30 and Lm25 - will go on sale from the Hilton lobby today.

Japanese soprano Mina Tasca Yamazaki will be playing the part of Cio Cio San, the geisha who falls in love with handsome sailor Pinkerton, played by Spanish tenor Ignacio Encinas. Italian baritone Massimiliano Vallegi will be playing the part of Sharpless and Italian mezzosoprano Patrizia Porzio that of Suzuky.

Apart from the international opera singers, Madame Butterfly will have more than a tinge of Maltese talent with the participation of the National Orchestra and Maltese singers in minor parts.

Organisers Lisa Borain and Louise Cutajar explained that although the concept behind the opera remained the same as it was in 2003 there have been a number of changes in the organisation, the most obvious being the elimination of the gala dinner.

Speaking at the launch of the event yesterday, Ms Cutajar said that when La Boheme was presented as the first Opera On The Water there had been some logistical problems because of the organisation of a gala dinner for a number of guests.

"Many people enjoyed the opera but the combination of the gala dinner with tiered seating led to a few complaints," she said.

Ms Cutajar said this led to a rethink and it was decided to focus on the opera and forgo the gala dinner.

"It is a lovely place to have it and we want to make sure people enjoy the show."

Those who start feeling peckish after the opera will be able to dine at Bottega del Vino, Oceana and The Blue Elephant, which will have special opera menus, while a drinks party for the audience will be held at the Hilton Pool and Quarterdeck Bar.

The stage will be raised by a metre to provide the audience with a better view; those buying tickets for the opera will be given free parking tickets and part of the Hilton car park will be reserved for the audience.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech stressed the importance of high calibre performances in attracting tourists to the island. He spoke about the importance of not only having top class establishments where the tourists can stay but also organising events that enhance Malta's image as an upmarket destination.