Opera Spectacle Puts Spotlight on Cambodian Talent
More than 70 performers including the orchestra and chorus will bring to life one of composer Giacomo Puccini’s most popular works. Photo: OCIC
- By Alan Kirk
- December 9, 2023 2:05 PM
PHNOM PENH – All the spectacle and drama of the Italian opera Madama Butterfly will burst onto the stage of Koh Pich Theatre on Sunday with Cambodian tenor Sethisak Khuon in a key role and Prince Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath as artistic director.
More than 70 performers including the orchestra and chorus will bring to life one of composer Giacomo Puccini’s most popular works.
It will be a rare chance for Sethisak Khuon to perform in an opera in front of a home crowd.
He was trained in classical voice in the United States and in Italy. He teaches voice at the Royal University of Phnom Penh School of Music and has a big local following as a performer.
He took part in the operas Cavalleria Rusticana in 2018 and Pagliacci in 2019 at the Sofitel Hotel in Phnom Penh. However, these productions are short and often played together in one program.
He said people had seen the promotions for Madama Butterfly and had asked him what it was about.
“I told them to come along. This is a big art form. It’s beautiful and people should come and see it.”
The story is set in Japan and tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with an American naval officer and bears his child only to be betrayed when he leaves and breaks his promise to return to her.
Production director Gabriele Faja said Sethisak Khuon in the role of Prince Yamadori is the most prominent Cambodian performer in the opera with others working behind the scenes.
The international cast includes Yasuko Fuji, Ai Iwasaki and Enrico Terrone Guerra.
The event starts at 5pm and tickets are available here.
