This January, Ailyn Pérez returns to The Metropolitan Opera, bringing her acclaimed portrayal of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly to New York audiences for the first time. The role is quickly becoming a signature for the soprano, who has previously bowed as Butterfly for Teatro Real de Madrid, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Houston Grand Opera.
Of that performance, Texas Classical Review raved, “Ailyn Pérez wholly immersed herself in Butterfly’s evolution… Butterfly’s “Un bel di” became the embodiment of her futile hopes for a reunion. Pérez sang it as if Butterfly were retreating into a dream. Her voice grew more and more hushed and rapt as Butterfly envisioned Pinkerton’s return, and after the aria’s climactic surge, Pérez took the last note down to a pianissimo and held it—like Butterfly clinging to her fantasy. After Butterfly surrendered her child and took control of her fate, Pérez gave her the resolve and dignity of a tragic figure.”
Ms. Pérez will appear in Anthony Minghella’s visually stunning production alongside an all-star cast, singing under the baton of Marco Armiliato. SeokJong Baek sings Pinkerton, with Hyona Kim as Suzuki, and Andrzej Filończyk as Sharpless. She will return to the production in March 2026, singing alongside Matthew Polenzani, Hyona Kim, and Quinn Kelsey.
Madama Butterfly runs January 9-24 and March 11-23, 2026.