At this point, I feel like I’m following Adam Smith around like a die-hard fan trailing Taylor Swift on tour! But no, it’s just a happy coincidence. The first time I saw Adam Smith as Pinkerton was in Aix-en-Provence in July 2024, then again in Lyon, and now, for the third time, in Berlin. If this pattern continues, the next stop might just be Copenhagen!

Watching a singer evolve over time is fascinating, and in Adam Smith’s case, it’s for the better. I remember noticing a few pronunciation quirks in Aix-en-Provence, but by now, he’s polished his performance significantly. His voice is strong, his stage presence is assured, and it’s clear that this role fits him like a glove.

The real highlight of the evening, though, was Maria Agresta. What a joy to see her again! The last time I witnessed her brilliance was almost exactly a year ago, when she shone in I Vespri Siciliani at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. And last night in Berlin, she delivered yet another unforgettable performance.

I genuinely can’t remember the last time I saw such an explosive standing ovation (except for Anna Netrebko or Nadine Sierra). The audience was completely captivated, and Agresta gave everything she had, making Cio-Cio-San’s tragic fate even more heart-wrenching.

As for the production, it was classic, effective, and to the point—exactly what I want when I go to see Madama Butterfly. No unnecessary distractions, just pure emotion, stunning music, and a cast that delivered at the highest level.

A beautiful evening at the Staatsoper Berlin, proving once again that Puccini’s masterpiece never fails to leave its mark.

CAST

Cio-Cio-San:
Maria Agresta

Suzuki:
Natalia Skrycka

Kate Pinkerton:
Sandra Laagus

Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton:
Adam Smith

Sharpless:
Carles Pachon

Goro:
Junho Hwang

Yamadori:
Taehan Kim

Onkel Bonze:
George Andguladze

Kommissar:
Dionysios Avgerinos