After the power of Orff's "Carmina Burana," the summer opera presented by the de Carolis organization brings one of Puccini's most beloved operas, "Madama Butterfly," to the arena in Piazza d'Italia in Sassari. Tomorrow and Saturday, again at 9:30 pm, an international cast features tenor Francesco Demuro (Pinkerton), Korean soprano Vittoria Yeo (Cio Cio San), Irene Molinari (Suzuki), Fabian Veloz (Sharpless), Eva Goreux (Kate Pinkerton), Nicolas Resinelli (Goro), Michael Zeni (Prince Yamadori), Teppei Matsunaka (Uncle Bonze), Giuseppe Lisai (Imperial Commissioner), Simone Casu (Registry Officer), Antonella Masia (Mother of Cio Cio San), Tania Esposito (Aunt), and Giulia Cabizza (Cousin).
The direction and set design are by Alberto Gazale, artistic director of the Sassari-based organization. The orchestra will be conducted by Sergio Oliva, and the choir by Francesca Tosi.
Francesco Demuro, how did you approach your debut in the role of Pinkerton?
"I come from a bel canto background, and here with Pinkerton we're going for a more lirico spinto style, a slightly more dramatic vocal range, but I have experience and will sing with my own voice, without seeking out colors that aren't my own. The role is wonderful; Puccini's melodies will make me enjoy every single note."
Is open-air summer opera a formula that works?
"I have to congratulate Gazale because he's creating something wonderful to spread culture even to those who are reluctant to go to the theater. Performing opera in the square allows many young people to listen to it and fall in love with it. Madama Butterfly doesn't leave you indifferent."
During the opera, director Pietro Mereu will be filming the movie “Il Re Cantore.” How do you feel about this experience?
"My life is truly a movie, if only there had been cameras filming me since I was little... I had to make great sacrifices as a kid, I couldn't be as carefree as my peers, I'm lucky because this job is my passion and has taken me around the world, so the sacrifices are balanced out."
But would she like to make films?
"I'd love to, and not just for a revival of an opera, like 'La Bohème,' but for acting purposes. We opera singers are actors after all. I've worked with directors who have worked in opera, like Wim Wenders in Berlin on 'Les Pecheurs de Perles,' and again in Berlin with Mario Martone on 'Falstaff.'"
Next international engagement with opera?
«I'll mention one that is an important point in my career: in 2026 I will be at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in London for Bellini's I puritani».