Singer

The relationship between Cio-Cio-San, called »Butterfly«, and US American marine officer Benjamin F. Pinkerton begins as a proforma wedding – with unexpected consequences: the young Japanese woman cuts herself off from her family, hoping to leave her impoverished origins behind; Pinkerton, on the other hand, despite his overwhelming desires, doesn’t feel committed to this »provisional marriage«. When he’s ordered home Cio-Cio-San’s left behind, expecting his baby. She waits unwaveringly for his return; her only rock is her faithful servant Suzuki. But when Pinkerton’s ship re-docks in Nagasaki, the illusion shatters: He married another woman in America. When Butterfly realises they intend to take her child as well, she sees no other way out; she commits ritual suicide, as her father before her. Doing away with superficial clichés, the director R.B. Schlather focuses on the human tragedy, for which Puccini, Master of Melody found such heart-rending music.

EPSG:4326

Madama Butterfly

Oper Frankfurt

Jaap van Zweden conducts Beethoven’s Choral Symphony

Lotte World Mall

Seoul Arts Center

What Macbeth thinks are prophesies are expressions of his own suppressed dreams and fears. Goaded on by his wife, who’s no less ambitious, he commits murder, which leads to more murders, creating a gruesome system of oppression. But the tyrant Macbeth and his wife are plagued by pangs of conscience. They’re both psychologically shattered - in different ways. In the end, the oppressed populace rebel, putting an end to an unjust regime.

In a domestic setting surrounding this childless, murderous couple, mechanisms of violent rule become apparent that can be found on a larger scale: World politics are reflected in a private sphere. From this perspective the story of a medieval Scottish despot seems frighteningly relevant today.

Macbeth

Lulu's uniqueness challenges the norm. Is she real, a mythological figure or a figment of men's imagination? Innocent victim or a destructive demon? She's none of these things yet all of them. This feral, vulnerable, creature's struggle with the world, during which she's appropriated and exploited before being murdered, began when she was dragged out of her element.

Lulu

While Syracuse is arming for war against the Sarazans, the King’s daughter Amenaide is charged with high treason for writing a letter to Solamir, leader of the Sarazans, professing her love. Just before her execution Tancredi, a knight banished from Syracuse, and Amenaide’s secret lover, returns, incognito. The letter was intended for him. Although he saves her from being executed, he starts doubting her fidelity. War with the Sarazans looms closer, and Tancredi’s to lead his people into the decisive battle.

Bass-baritone

Kihwan Sim

Events

Upcoming events

7 - 26 Jun, 2026

Tancredi · Oper Frankfurt

Past events

Feb 6 - Mar 20, 2026

Madama Butterfly · Oper Frankfurt

18 - 19 Dec, 2025

Jaap van Zweden conducts Beethoven’s Choral Symphony · Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Orbazzano in Tancredi by Rossini

Oper Frankfurt

Banco in Macbeth by Verdi

Oper Frankfurt

Uncle Bonze in Madama Butterfly by Puccini

Oper Frankfurt

Singer in Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra

Animal Tamer / Athlete in Lulu by Berg

Oper Frankfurt

About

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