Vancouver Opera

Exploring the Cultural Inheritances of Madama Butterfly

FREE! RSVP required (limited to 40 guests) Date: April 30, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre - 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC Join Vancouver Opera for a moving, one-night-only event at the Nikkei Centre—an intimate gathering of song, story, and reflection. “Voices We Carry” brings together members of Vancouver Opera’s Asian creative team to reflect on Madama Butterfly—a work both celebrated and contested. Through conversation and music, we explore the opera’s legacy, the complexities of cultural inheritance, and how artists of Japanese descent engage with this iconic piece today. Hosted by Ashley Daniel Foot, Director of Engagement and Civic Practice, the evening features: Mo Zhou – Director of Madama Butterfly, in conversation about reframing the opera with emotional honesty and historical specificity Zainen Suzuki – Vancouver Opera chorus member, sharing and performing music rooted in his Japanese heritage Luka Kawabata – Ensemble artist, offering a personal response to Butterfly as an artist of the Japanese diaspora Kimiko Yoshino – Education Coordinator at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, sharing insights on cultural programming and community engagement