Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre to perform ‘Madama Butterfly’

March 6, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

“Butterfly” Dr. Maria Briggs, and "Pinkerton" Jonathan Yarrington

The Fresno State Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre will present Puccini’s famous opera with performances at 8 p.m. Friday, March 8, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Fresno State Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and seniors and $5 for students.

Q&A with Dr. Maria Briggs on her role as ‘Madama Butterfly’

March 6, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

Every two years, music faculty at Fresno State take on the endeavor of producing a full-scale opera in the Fresno State Concert Hall. During the planning meetings, the faculty decided they would likely hire someone to play the role of Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly). That’s when assistant professor of voice Dr. Maria Briggs stepped in and offered to take on the challenge.

Q&A with guest tenor Jonathan Yarrington on ‘Madama Butterfly’ at Fresno State

March 4, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Filling the lead roles for an opera can be tricky. The person in question must have not only a strong voice and acting ability but the capacity to memorize nearly two-and-a-half hours of music which is performed entirely in Italian.