As Opera In The Rock prepares to open its first show of 2019, we'll hear from one person who's central to the production.
Francesca Mondanaro hails from New York City, and has sung roles both stateside and abroad for many years.
Mondanaro comes to Little Rock to sing the leading role in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly," the first time she's sung the role.
Mondanaro spoke with Arts Scene's Ann Nicholson about the year's worth of preparation needed to sing the role, as well as the distinction between cultural appropriation and true appreciation of the source material.
Opera In The Rock's production of "Madama Butterfly" runs on May 17 at 7:30 and on May 19 at 2:30 at Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
This program originally aired on 5/19/2019.