STAGE TUBE: Michael Ching's Final Performance of MADAME BUTTERFLY with Opera Memphis

Puccini's MADAME BUTTERFLY is a staple of the opera repertoire and the most often performed opera in the United States. The Opera Memphis production featured a modern yet traditionally Japanese costume and scenic design by renowned ceramic artist Jun Kaneko. A live simulcast of the opera took place at the Levitt Shell in midtown's Overton Park during the April 20 performance. The night also featured the last public performance of Michael Ching as Opera Memphis Artistic Director.

Michael Ching has been with Opera Memphis since 1992. He has worked in the music field as composer, conductor, arts administrator and consultant. His compositions have been performed by OperaDelaware, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Chicago Opera Theatre, New Orleans Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Dayton Opera, Triangle Opera Theater, Virginia Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Fargo Moorhead Opera, Anchorage Opera, Texas Opera Theater, the Atlanta Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Virginia Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, and the Charlotte Symphony. He has appeared as guest conductor with the Hawaii Opera Theatre, Nashville Opera, and with Opera Festival of New Jersey.

Mr. Ching was commissioned by the University of Missouri to write CORPS OF DISCOVERY, an opera about the Lewis and Clark expedition. The Opera received its world premiere in May 2003 and received its professional premiere at Opera Memphis in April 2004. Recent performances of the complete opera include the University of Idaho-Moscow and a tour of North Dakota presented by Fargo Moorhead Opera. Next season, his opera BUOSO'S GHOST will play at the Lake George Opera Festival. For further information please see:

A Test of Sacrifice: Japanese beauty Butterfly abandons her ancestral religion, as she has fallen in love with an American soldier (Pinkerton). Pinkerton is called to return to the "big country" after pledging his eternal love to Butterfly. For years, Butterfly awaits the return of Pinkerton.

For more information, visit www.operamemphis.org.

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