Event details
Friday 1 August | 6pm - 10pm
Adult: £40 | Child: £25 (parental guidance advised)
Gates open: 6pm
Performance starts: 7pm
Ends: 10pm
Chatsworth Friends and Patrons benefit from 10% off tickets to this event.
With the Rose Garden as your backdrop, discover Puccini’s devastating tragedy Madam Butterfly, performed live by Opera Brava and with a chamber ensemble.
Now in its 36th year, Opera Brava brings an international cast to Chatsworth, including rising stars Zita Syme, Hakan Vramsmo and Paul Hopwood.
The Story of Madam Butterfly
Madam Butterfly is the heart wrenching story of a beautiful young geisha who sacrifices her family, her religion, and ultimately, her life for her American husband.
Butterfly is the young bride of Lieutenant Pinkerton, who buys Butterfly’s love while stationed in Japan and has no intention of ever taking her home to America.
With its exquisite score, Giacomo Puccini’s poignant 1904 opera is as beautiful as it is shattering. Puccini called ‘Madam Butterfly’ his favourite work, one he never tired of listening to in its entirety.
Accessibility
The garden is accessible however, the performance takes place on the Salisbury Lawn in front of the Rose Garden. Salisbury Lawn slopes down from the Stables towards the house, however the performance area is flat.
Carer tickets
Visitors with disabilities may bring one accompanying carer free of charge when paying for a full-price ticket. Supporting documentation is required at the entrance.
Full details are available on our accessibility page.
FAQs
- 1. Will the show still take place if the weather is poor?
-
The show will take place whatever the weather, so please come prepared for all weather conditions.
- 2. Does my ticket include admission to the garden during the day?
-
If the event is taking place in the garden, admission will be from 6pm. Entry to the garden during the day is not included unless it is stipulated in the event description. If you are unsure, please contact us to check.
You can buy day tickets to the garden.
- 3. What refreshments are available?
-
There will be sandwiches and freshly made pasties, as well as tea, coffee and cold drinks available to buy on the night.
- 4. Can I bring gazebos, tents, barbecues or awnings?
-
Please bring along your own picnic rugs and chairs.
Unfortunately barbecues, gazebos, tents, awnings and Chinese lanterns are not permitted.
- 5. Do children pay?
-
Children aged 3 and under get into the event for free and do not require a ticket. Children aged 4 and over will need to purchase a ticket for the event at the prices quoted on the event page.
- 6. What's the last day for booking tickets online?
-
Online booking will be available until 2pm on the day of the show, after which tickets will be available on site at till points, and at the entrance to the event, subject to availability.
- 7. Can I get a refund?
-
Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- 8. Can I take photographs?
-
Photographs are permitted for non-commercial purposes, and must not include people outside of your own party.
- 9. Can I bring a dog?
-
It is not suitable to bring your dog to this event.
- 10. Is there discount for groups?
-
There are no group discounts for the event.
You may also like...
Classic Ibiza
12 July 2025
An open-air celebration of house music, reinvented by a 32-piece orchestra, headline DJs and live vocalists.
Opera in the garden: Madam Butterfly
Opera in the Garden: Grand Opera Gala
2 August 2025
Spend a summer evening in the Rose Garden with musical entertainment.
Sense and Sensibility: The Musical
16 August 2025
A musical adaptation of Jane Austen's first published novel, 'Sense and Sensibility', in the Rose Garden.
Festival Cinema: Pride and Prejudice
19 September 2025
Experience Joe Wright's 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice in the Rose Garden at 'Pemberley'.
Part of The Queen's Reading Room Festival.
Festival Cinema: Sense and Sensibility
20 September 2025
Thirty years after it was first released, experience Emma Thompson's Oscar winning adaptation of Jane Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility, on out outdoor screen in the Rose Garden.
Part of The Queen's Reading Room Festival.
Winter Ball
13, 19 & 20 December 2025
Celebrate Christmas in style with our magical winter ball and an elegant four-course dinner.
New Year's Eve Ball
31 December 2025
Ring in the New Year at Chatsworth with live music, dancing and dinner.
Stay with us
With so much to see, do, and explore in the Peak District, it's a shame to only come for the day, so why not stay a little longer? Our country cottages, shepherd's huts, hotels, and inns are the perfect base for exploring all that Chatsworth, Derbyshire, and the Peak District have to offer. Find out more.
Image credit: Royal Opera House
