Simulcast on opening night to an audience of more than 5,000 in nearby KeyArena, Madama Butterfly was the biggest opera event of the 2011/12 season. Peter Kazaras directed and Julian Kovatchev made a strong debut at the podium. Dazzling lighting by Duane Schuler made each scene as beautiful as possible. The great Patricia Racette won Artist of the Year (tied with Mary Elizabeth Williams’ Serena from the summer’s Porgy and Bess).