'Madama Butterfly', the opera which was performed in the woodland garden at Lampeter House, Lampeter Velfrey last Friday, was simply stunning, the best ever (writes Josephine Hammond). The quality of the singing and orchestra was a delight from the very first notes. Brecon-based company, Opera Box, has flown Nancy Yuen, the international diva who specialises in the role of Madama Butterfly, from Singapore to sing at a few selected venues. Her stage lover, Mark Luther, made a very handsome Lieutenant Pinkerton, who was passionate in his love and contrite in the realisation of the hurt he had caused. A local boy, Dylan Rees, aged five, from Pembroke Dock, stole everyone's hearts with his affecting portrayal of their son Sorrow in his first ever public performance. Fraser Goulding, who was once musical director for the D'Oyley Carte Company, was conducting a 12-piece orchestra which was located above the stage area on the magnificent balcony which is such a feature of the house and lends great elegance to the stage setting. The new glass roofing, which had been installed just prior to the performance, added to the resonance of the musical ensemble. The stage and costumes were a feast for the eyes, particularly at the beginning of the wedding scene. The sumptuous kimonos and bright parasols of Madama Butterfly and the Geishas glowed in the spotlights as they processed across the little Japanese style bridge spanning the garden pool to the strains of the loveliest music. Bamboos, flowers and candles added to the beauty of the warm August night. Our emotions were wrung out as we went from joy at her new love to the desperate sorrow of betrayal that brings about the final tragic end of this beautiful Butterfly. Opera Box have been invited to return in 2005 to perform Verdi's 'La Traviata'.
