Boy, six, to star in famous opera

Cormac Morley, six, of Midgley, has been chosen to appear alongside star names in Russian State Opera’s production of Madam Butterfly at the Victoria Theatre on Saturday, February 6.

Cormac has attended Stagecoach in Halifax since July 2015 and he took part in its Christmas production.

He said he was “thrilled” to be a part of an internationally acclaimed opera production, and is an experience he will remember for a long time.

Set in Japan at the turn of the century, Madam Butterfly tells the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride, whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to heartbreak and tragedy.

With music by Giacomo Puccini and Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, the production is sung in Italian with English surtitles.  

The cast is accompanied by a large live orchestra with more than 30 musicians.

Producer Alexej Ignatow, of Amande Concerts Ltd, who has co-ordinated the UK tour, said: “We are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, to ensure that our opera and ballet audiences get a chance to experience a wide spectrum of various classic pieces.

“With extensive national tours that get our productions seen the length and breadth of the country, we are able to offer national audiences in various theatres an unforgettable experience.

“It is very close to my heart to continue working with theatres all over the UK to deliver top quality productions every year and make new converts wherever we go.”

For tickets, contact the Victoria Theatre box office on 01422 351158.