Tim Albery's production of Puccini's classic tear jerker was premiered by Opera North at Leeds Grand Theatre in 2007 and greeted with fairly widespread rejoicing. This revival features the return of several principals from the 2007 cast – notably Anne Sophie Duprels as Cio-Cio-San, Peter Savidge as Sharpless, the American Consul and Ann Taylor as Suzuki – and there's an exciting newcomer.

Duprel's Butterfly remains one of her finest achievements for Opera North. In white face make-up and flowing wedding rob, Duprels has no difficulty in passing off as the 15-year-old Geisha girl.

The Love Duet begins sublimely with the image of Butterfly ever so gently washing Pinkerton's feet, which brings me to the exciting newcomer – the Harlem-born tenor Noah Stewart. His voice has a dark, lustrous Italianate quality with effortless, gleaming top notes heard to stunning effect earlier in his toast to the future – the duet "Amore o grillo" with Sharpless was for me one of the vocal highlights of the entire evening.

Savidge’s colouring of the vocal line, facial expressions and body language conveys his desperate sadness and despair at Butterfly's plight.

“We have come to ask for your help” Sharpless implores Suzuki when he returns with Pinkerton to Butterfly's home to claim Pinkerton's son. But the loyal Suzuki is no pushover in the form of mezzo soprano Ann Taylor whose strong vocal portrayal characterised by a suppleness and richness of tone is always impeccably judged.

The Chorus of Opera North are in cracking form – vicious in their cries of denunciation of Butterfly. Their voices floated into the auditorium for the “Humming Chorus”. This is always a moment to bring a lump to the throat as Butterfly and the little boy keep an all-night vigil. Daniele Rustioni in his company debut allows the Orchestra of Opera North to raise the roof for the climaxes. Rustioni points up so much detail; you can feel the overt sexuality of much of the music and his finely-judged pacing maintains momentum whilst revealing every nuance in Puccini's score. Orchestral textures are translucent and impeccably balanced. 24th & 29th Sept and during October at Leeds Grand Geoffrey Mogridge