Stunning performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterly .... and a chance to win a limited edition, signed Ralph Steadman print worth £550

MADAMA BUTTERFLY, one of the world's most popular operas and greatest love stories, is brought to the stage in Darlington next week.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

The opera gave birth to the hit West End musical Miss Saigon

Now Opera and Ballet International are bringing an Ellen Kent production of Madama Butterfly to Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday, March 21.

The production features exquisite sets, including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan designed by the renowned Russian designer Felix Bessonov, from St Petersburg.

Musical highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

International Korean soprano Maria HeeJung Kim from the National Opera House of Seoul will be making her debut in the UK singing the role of the tragic Cio Cio San. The talented young star studied in Milan and made her debut as Madama Butterfly at La Scala,Milan. HeeJung Kim has sung Madama Butterfly and La Traviata at major Opera Houses in Europe.

The opera will be conducted by Vasyl Vasylenko, who is the artistic director and conductor at the National President's Orchestra of Ukraine, with 30 members of the National Ukrainian Orchestra and will be sung in Italian with English surtitles.

To celebrate, What's On has teamed up with Darlington Hippodrome and Opera and Ballet International to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a remarkable souvenir.

Renowned artist Ralph Steadman has created a limited edition print to celebrate the passion and drama of Madama Butterfly. Valued at £550 this is your opportunity to win a piece of opera memorabilia like no other – along with two tickets to see Madama Butterfly at Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday, March 21, at 7.30pm

To enter, simply answer this simple question:

Who wrote the opera Madama Butterfly?

Don't delay your entry... due to the proximity of the performance, entries must reach us by 2pm on Monday, March 19. Ideally, email your entry to ents@nne.co.uk, with Madama Butterfly Competition in the subject line, or mail/deliver to Madama Butterfly Competition, The Northern Echo, PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.

The prize of two tickets is valid for the performance of Madama Butterfly on Wednesday, March 21, at Darlington Hippodrome. The prize is non transferable, no cash alternative is available and only valid for the above performance. Winners will be informed by email.