"I am delighted to be making my debut as an opera director with ENO," Minghella said. "The conductor David Parry is a close friend and has nourished my love of opera for more than 20 years. Mary Plazas is one of the most exciting singers in the country and it's thrilling to collaborate with her on her first Butterfly."

Sešn Doran, the ENO's artistic director and chief executive, said, "Opera combines many arts and Minghella will bring to this collaboration his skills as a writer, musician and film director, which he has deployed to such effect throughout his distinguished career."