When Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” opened in 1904, it flopped. After a few months of careful revisions and intense rehearsals, Puccini nailed it. “Madama Butterfly” has since turned into one of the most performed operas in the world, and its impact on culture is almost incalculable.

Madama Butterfly. Photo by Rod Millington

On Saturday, November 15th, the Florida Grand Opera, a Knight Arts grantee, opens its 74th season with “Madama Butterfly” at the Arsht. “Madama Butterfly” reveals the tragic story of Cio-Cio-San (played by American soprano Kelly Kaduce) who falls in love with Pinkerton, an American naval officer (performed by Uruguayan tenor Martin Nusspaumer).

It’s not a happy tale. The two fall in love, but not all love is equal. Cio-Cio-San vows to wait for Pinkerton to return from America, but Pinkerton gets married and returns to Japan with his new wife. Like most operas, drama ensues as Cio-Cio-San has to face this brutal reality, and kills herself. The end.

Subscriptions for the 2014-15 season start at $40 in Miami and $51 in Fort Lauderdale. FGO’s Box Office is located at the Doral Center on 8390 NW 25 St., Miami, and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the season.Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 800-741-1010 or online at www.fgo.org.