THE Chisinau National Opera (pronounced Kishinaw) was back in Blackburn with its latest production of this ever-popular opera.

They just get better. The Eastern European way of staging seems static to Western taste but, in this particular opera, this is an advantage.

Mariana Colpos as 'Butterfly' was wonderful. Realistic acting enhanced her rich, soaring voice; she looked Japanese.

Her 'One fine day' aria brought tears and her scenes with her little son were so tender and moving, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was good to hear a mezzo, Liliana Lavric, playing her maid 'Suzuki'. The contrast of voices was so pleasing. Pinkerton, Alexei Repchinsky, was a bit stiff but, with such a great powerful voice, it didn't matter. Vladimir Dragos, as Sharpless the US Consul, was suitably dapper and both his acting and voice were excellent.

Never have I heard an orchestra play so well in opera. Conductor Alexandru Samoila is so sensitive to the singer's needs.

Chisinau National Opera returns to Manchester in November with Turandot and Carmen, so book early.

BRENDA KEAN