Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in Spring 2025 with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv presenting three stunning traditional productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s La Bohème and Verdi’s La Traviata, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.
Like Ellen’s past UK and Ireland opera tours, Ellen personally hand-picks and directs all soloists to create visually beautiful and moving productions. Ellen Kent said ‘I am delighted to be working with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv again after the huge success of the 2023 & 2024 tours. I started working with Ukraine in 2000 and have continued these strong relationships ever since, working with the Odessa National Opera for which I was awarded The Golden Fortune Honorary Medal from the President of the Ukraine, as well as the Kharkiv National Opera and for the last couple of years with the brilliant Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.’
La Traviata, the tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias. Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. There are many echoes of Verdi’s own life in Traviata and he threw himself into the music. The highlights include the Brindisi, the best-known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta’s haunting aria Addio Del Passato. This magnificent production boasts sumptuous sets and costumes as can be seen above Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly, winner of the ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ by the Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards,
returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes
including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Directed by Ellen Kent, La Bohème is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes. One of the most romantic operas ever written, La Bohème tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and includes snow effects. Plus, Muzetta’s dog will also make an entrance (below). This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
For full tour listings and to book tickets please visit ellenkent.com / senbla.com.
