Opera

Madama Butterfly

Name: Madama Butterfly
Start: 2026-03-03T19:30:00
End: 2026-03-03T22:10:00
Location: Sydney opera house

Madama Butterfly stage performance with petals falling, Sydney.

Performer in Madama Butterfly opera on stage in Sydney.

Stage performance of Madama Butterfly in Sydney with two actors in period costumes.

Stage performance of Madama Butterfly with actors in traditional costumes, Sydney.

Duration

2 hr 40 min - 2 hr 45 min

Puccini’s heartbreaking tragedy returns as breathtaking staging, world-class sopranos, and a shimmering onstage moat turn Madama Butterfly into Sydney’s most atmospheric opera event.

4.5/5

(2,288)

Tsai

Feb 2026

Verified booking

能在雪梨歌劇院欣賞歌劇演出，還有什麼比這個更令人難忘呢！歌劇的舞台架在水面之上，日式的細緻優雅表現淋漓盡致。蝴蝶夫人動人哀怨的歌聲，直抵每一個聽覺細胞，一起為她的不幸垂淚顫動。小演員戲份不多但相當關鍵，凸顯了蝴蝶夫人的母愛。落英繽紛代表離別前最絕美的告白，這樣的悲歡離合見證了曾經的歷史。 What could be more unforgettable than enjoying an opera performance at the Sydney Opera House? With the stage set over the water, the delicate elegance of Japanese aesthetics is brought to life with breathtaking precision. The moving and sorrowful voice of Madama Butterfly pierces every fiber of one's being, drawing the audience to weep and tremble at her tragic fate. Though the child actor's role is brief, it is pivotal, profoundly highlighting the depth of her maternal love. As flower petals drift down like falling snow—a final, exquisite confession before parting—this tale of love and loss serves as a poignant witness to a bygone era.

Peter

Jan 2026

Verified booking

My youngest daughter visiting from Belgium the first week of January had seen Madama Butterfly at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Since I had to be in Sydney this week, she strongly recommended that I would go and see this famous Puccini opera (my mother's/her grandmother's favorite). I was not disappointed. What a powerful performance! I had brought a colleague from India who had never been to an opera yet. He was most enthusiastic about this once-in-a-lifetime experience. For someone who has not experienced it, it may be hard to believe, but a live opera can move one to tears. I am very happy I followed up on my daughter's advice. Thanks, Marthe!

Feb 2026

Verified booking

Very special evening. We were staying in Sydney for 4 nights and this coincided with a performance of Madame Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House. So having undertaken the summit walk of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the morning, I went with my wife to the opera in the evening. Making it a very memorable day. The scenery, costumes and performance were exceptional. My only criticism was the price and the rather uncomfortable seat.

Puccini’s famed opera, adapted from Belasco’s play and suited to opera lovers and newcomers alike, blends romance and betrayal in one of the world’s most enduring classics in Sydney.

Globally acclaimed sopranos Guanqun Yu, Vittoria Yeo, and Olivia Cranwell lead this production, supported by celebrated conductors Andrea Battistoni, Erina Yashima, and Paul Fitzsimon.

Moffatt Oxenbould’s staging returns with sliding paper panels, floating candles, and a real moat, creating an arresting backdrop which is "beautiful and moving" (Sydney Morning Herald).

Themes of hope, desire, and sacrifice unfold through the soaring score, from Un bel dì vedremo to the Humming Chorus, which brings emotional depth to Madama Butterfly.

Playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater, this season brings a fresh interpretation to Puccini’s score. Book tickets to the Madama Butterfly opera in Sydney now!

The story

Set in early 20th-century Nagasaki, Madama Butterfly follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who enters a fragile marriage with U.S. naval officer Pinkerton. Believing deeply in love and reinvention, she builds a future around his promised return, even as family, tradition, and shifting loyalties close in. Themes of devotion, cultural divide, and hope drive the drama forward. As ships gather in the harbour once more, her faith faces a shattering test, and everything hangs on what she chooses next.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

2,288 reviews
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What our guests say
Dr
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Very special evening. We were staying in Sydney for 4 nights and this coincided with a performance of Madame Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House. So having undertaken the summit walk of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the morning, I went with my wife to the opera in the evening. Making it a very memorable day. The scenery, costumes and performance were exceptional. My only criticism was the price and the rather uncomfortable seat.
Vera
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Madama Butterfly was the first opera show I have ever attended, and it did not disappoint! Every vocalist had a stunning voice, and I really found myself able to enjoy the show and storyline rather than criticizing any vocal ability. Plus, the set was stunning! And the petals falling onto the stage.. I was truly amazed. I highly recommend the show and the Sydney Opera House!!
Pierre
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Vittoria Yeo delivers a "luminous" and vocally powerful performance as Cio-Cio-San, with "electrifying chemistry" alongside her co-stars, often eliciting
Tsai
Feb 2026
Verified booking
能在雪梨歌劇院欣賞歌劇演出，還有什麼比這個更令人難忘呢！歌劇的舞台架在水面之上，日式的細緻優雅表現淋漓盡致。蝴蝶夫人動人哀怨的歌聲，直抵每一個聽覺細胞，一起為她的不幸垂淚顫動。小演員戲份不多但相當關鍵，凸顯了蝴蝶夫人的母愛。落英繽紛代表離別前最絕美的告白，這樣的悲歡離合見證了曾經的歷史。 What could be more unforgettable than enjoying an opera performance at the Sydney Opera House? With the stage set over the water, the delicate elegance of Japanese aesthetics is brought to life with breathtaking precision. The moving and sorrowful voice of Madama Butterfly pierces every fiber of one's being, drawing the audience to weep and tremble at her tragic fate. Though the child actor's role is brief, it is pivotal, profoundly highlighting the depth of her maternal love. As flower petals drift down like falling snow—a final, exquisite confession before parting—this tale of love and loss serves as a poignant witness to a bygone era.
Aimi
Feb 2026
Verified booking
everything was wonderful - the atmosphere, the actors, the sets and even the audience. We came from Estonia to visit the Sydney Opera House and we managed to watch a great opera. I enjoyed the great performance of the singers and the whole production was just perfect. Thank you!

Show details

Categories: Opera, Classic, Drama, Critics' choice

Audience: Suitable for all ages

Theater name: Joan Sutherland Theater

Find the best seats in the house with the Joan Sutherland Theater seating plan

Theater facilities: Bars, restrooms, cloakroom, foyer lounges, water refill stations, café, onsite dining at the Opera House precinct

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, companion seating, lift access, hearing-assist devices, step-free routes, mobility drop-off points near the forecourt

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles:

Keyboard: Amy Hsu

Cio-Cio-San: Guanqun Yu (Jan 3–Feb 4), Vittoria Yeo (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Olivia Cranwell (Mar 11–Mar 25)

Pinkerton: Robert Watson (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Oreste Cosimo (Feb 7–Mar 25)

Suzuki: Sian Sharp (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Angela Hogan (Feb 7–Mar 25)

Sharpless: Samuel Dundas (Jan 3–Feb 4), Luke Gabbedy (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Warwick Fyfe (Mar 11–Mar 25)

Goro: Virgilio Marino (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Michael Petruccelli (Feb 7–Mar 25)

Bonze: David Parkin (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Gennadi Dubinsky (Feb 7–Mar 25)

Kate Pinkerton: Jane Ede (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Chelsea Burns (Feb 7–Mar 25)

Yamadori: Leon Vitogiannis (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Alexander Hargreaves (Feb 7–Mar 25)

Director: Moffatt Oxenbould AM

Composer: Giacomo Puccini

Conductors: Andrea Battistoni (Jan 3–24, Mar 7–14), Paul Fitzsimon (Jan 29–Feb 4, Mar 18–25), and Erina Yashima (Feb 7–Mar 3)

Set & costume designers: Russell Cohen and Peter England

Lighting designer: Robert Bryan

Movement & revival director: Matthew Barclay

Additional info

This show is suitable for all ages.

Content warning: The production contains some adult themes.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Madama Butterfly

Q: How much do tickets to the Madama Butterfly opera in Sydney cost?

A: Prices vary based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is Madama Butterfly playing in Sydney?

A: The opera is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater at the Sydney Opera House.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The opera lasts for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one interval.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: The opera follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries U.S. naval officer Pinkerton and waits faithfully for his return, unaware of the heartbreak ahead.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There is no strict age limit, the opera is suitable for all ages. However, the production contains some mature themes.

Q: What are some popular musical moments in the opera?

A: Highlights include Un bel dì vedremo, the Humming Chorus, and the love duet from Act I.

Q: Why is Madama Butterfly considered one of Puccini’s greatest works?

A: Its lyrical score, emotional depth, and enduring themes of love, culture, and sacrifice have made it a global favorite for over a century.

Q: Is this production historically traditional or modern?

A: Moffatt Oxenbould’s staging leans toward traditional aesthetics with Japanese-inspired costumes, sliding panels, and atmospheric candlelit design.

Q: Are there language surtitles available?

A: Yes. The opera is sung in Italian with English surtitles.