A LITTLE girl aged just four-years-old has been chosen to perform alongside Ukrainian Opera stars in Madama Butterfly.

Lili Hadwin-Bergeson has been selected to portray the son of Madama Butterfly ‘Sorrow’ in the upcoming production in Venue Cymru. The opera is being put on by the Ukrainian National Opera.

Lili is a pupil of C R Dance Academy and attends classes in Glan Conwy every week. She was a cast member in Glan Conwy’s Pantomime Puss in Boots last Christmas. Lili has already passed her 'Posy Ballet' exam and is taking her Preparatory Ballet Grade in March.

Mum Sophie Hadwin-Bergeson, who lives near St Asaph, said: "Lili is very excited to be up on the big stage. Lili loves dancing and performing and has been practising every evening at home and with her dance teacher every week. 

"We are so proud of Lili and grateful to Chris at C R Dance Academy for giving her this amazing opportunity. 

"We are looking forward to seeing the final performance." 

The Ukrainian National Opera, from Dnipro, will tour the UK between February 9 and April 5. They will visit Llandudno Venue Cymru on February, Friday 24.

Madama Butterfly is set in Japan at the turn of the last century.

No opera can quite match the tragedy and sorrow of the doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride, whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy.

Producer Alexej Ignatow, of Amande Concerts Ltd, said: “We are really excited to be presenting this opera company to UK audiences in these difficult times. The journey has been extremely challenging, but I am glad we have overcome the many extraordinary obstacles and have now received all the necessary visas and clearances for the Ukrainian artists.

"The cast has been rehearsing vigorously over the last five weeks, and will continue to do so until the very moment when they will be leaving for the UK.

"We in the production office are now fully focussed on marketing these operas and raising awareness."

The opera will be sung in original language with English surtitles.

Phone the box office at Venue Cymru on 01492 872000 for tickets or visit their website.