A STUNNING traditional production of one of the world's most popular operas will transform the Rhyl Pavilion into a spectacular Japanese garden next month.

The award-winning producer Ellen Kent will bring international sopranos Elena Dee and Alyona Kistenyova together for her vision of the Puccini tragedy Madama Butterfly on Saturday, February 15 at 7.30pm.

Madama Butterfly, which the hit West End musical Miss Saigon is based on, tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

With exquisite sets featuring a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costuming including antique wedding kimonos from Japan, the story will be told in the original Italian with English subtitles.

Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria Un bel di vedremo (One Fine Day), the famous tenor aria Amore o grillo (Love or fancy) and the unforgettable Bimba, Bimba, non piangere (Love Duet).

Korean performer Dee returns to sing her poignant and emotional performance as Cio Cio San, which earned her critical acclaim, while Kistenyova of the Odessa National Opera will be returning after her critically acclaimed performances in Aida, La Boheme, Carmen, Tosca and Die Fledermaus, Rigoletto and La Traviata.

As with any of Ellen Kent’s shows, Madama Butterfly is set to be a visually beautiful and moving production.

Kent said: “My operas have to be emotional and beautiful.”

Joining Kent are Vasyl Vasylenko, artistic director and conductor for the National President's Orchestra of Ukraine, Kiev and the guest conductor and artistic director of the National Opera of Moldova, Nicolae Dohotaru with 30 members of the National Ukrainian Orchestra, Kiev and the National Moldovan Opera.

Tickets start at £26.50, with some concessions available, to book visit rhylpavilion.co.uk or call the box office on 01745 330000.