The internationally acclaimed Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv, joined by a host of handpicked soloists from across the world, has sung to rave reviews during its autumn tour, and now returns to Limerick with an all time favourite, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

After a two-year break to concentrate on other projects, Ellen’s comeback tour has proved a triumph – prompting packed theatres across Ireland and the UK, including a sold out UCH for La Traviata last November.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Puccini’s popular tale, which was used as the basis for West End musical Miss Saigon, is a heartbreaking true story of a beautiful Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant with dire consequences.

International sopranos Maria Tsonina and Elena Dee take the leading role of Cio Cio San, while "ladies favourite" Andriy Perfilov is Pinkerton.

They are joined by a 70-strong company including tenor Ruslan Zinevych, who has sung with Pavarotti and performed Ellen’s operas at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Conductor Gheorghe Stanciu, artistic director of the Constanta Opera in Romania, has joined the tour, bringing a new focus to the music, provided by the esteemed Kharkiv Theatre Orchestra.

"Ranging from the merely superhuman to the genuinely exquisite….. the performances of the main players were extraordinary" Northampton Chronicle & Echo

"[Elena Dee’s] performance was memorable. Dee sang superbly and drew every ounce of emotion from the role" Birmingham Mail.

Tickets: €39 / €36.50 / €25  Conc. Available

Phone: +353 61 331549

Email: mairead.tierney@uch.ie

Web: www.uch.ie

PRE - OPERA SUPPER

Why not make the evening really special and start off with a refreshing glass of sparling Prosecco in the beautiful surrounds of UL’s Plassey House (just a stone’s throw from University Concert Hall).

This will be followed by a delicious two course meal, with time still to linger over tea and coffee.

This Pre-Opera Supper is served from 6pm and can be booked through the UCH Box Office when securing your Opera tickets. Supper costs just €27 per person or just €25 for Friends of UCH. Limited Places Available