Cio-Cio-San, a captivating geisha in Nagasaki, marries B. F. Pinkerton, an American naval lieutenant. For him, it's a lark, a diversion before he marries a "real" American wife. For her, it's a life-altering commitment that's briefly blissful, then disastrous: her family renounces her and Pinkerton leaves Japan.

When he returns a few years later, her joy evaporates and catastrophe ensues when his true intentions are revealed. A wonderful first opera experience: Madama Butterfly epitomizes the best of this multifaceted art form, beautifully incorporating romantic tragedy with sublime musical storytelling.