(Credit: Geoffroy Schied) “Manon Lescaut” at the Bayerisches Staatsoper in April showed two soloists who brought a fresh take on Puccini’s well-loved third opera. Although Hans Neuenfels’ production kept its piquant perspective, soprano Joyce El Khouri, performing instead of Ermonela Jaho, and tenor Saimir Pirgu performed with more modesty and ardor than anticipated. They showed us once again how Puccini {…}
(Credit: Heather Elizabeth Media) The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its production of “Manon Lescaut.” The company said that Joyce El-Khoury will be stepping into the role of Manon Lescaut on April 17, 20, and 24 for Ermonela Jaho. This season El-Khoury performed at the Opera Comique and Opera de Rouen in “Médée” and “Aida.” She has appeared {…}
(Credit: S. Gherciu) The Prague National Theatre will present “Manon Lescaut.” The opera will open on March 27 with subsequent shows throughout April. There will also be performances in May, June, and October, and a final one on Nov. 6, 2025. Sláva Daubnerová directs and Simone Di Felice conducts. Taking on the title role will be Petra Alvarez and Šimková {…}
On Feb. 28, the Teatro Petruzzelli will present a production of Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut.” The opera will star Marigona Qerkezi in the title role. This will be her role debut which she has noted is her “dream debut.” She will joined by Denys Pivnitskyi as Dees Greiux, and Biagio Pizzuti as Lescaut. Francesco Cilluffo conducts the production by Massimo Gasparon. In {…}
“Manon Lescaut,” the third opera composed by Giacomo Puccini, marked his first true success, particularly with audiences, though critics raised some mild objections. It is widely regarded as the Maestro’s first mature work, showcasing a distinctive personal style that would continue to evolve in his later compositions. A Troublesome Libretto Based on the 1731 French novel by Abbé Prévost, the {…}
(Credit: Opera de Monte-Carlo/Michael Pohn/Wiener Staatsoper/ Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala/Foto Ennevi/Arena di Verona) Anna Netrebko has arguably been one of the most influential operatic figures of the 21st century. Whether it be her acting or her piano phrases, the soprano has been hailed by critics and has been at the center of many of the opera world’s leading {…}
Ópera de Oviedo commemorated their 75th season by presenting Massenet’s “Manon,” a new coproduction between opera de Oviedo, Teatro Municipal Santiago de Chile and Auditorio de Tenerife. All performances were dedicated to the great Spanish soprano Victoria de los Angeles who performed 75 years ago at the Oviedo coliseum. Emilio Sagi’s Beautiful Labyrinth The veteran and admired stage director Emilio Sagi {…}
North Carolina Opera has announced its 2022-23 season, featuring two company premieres and audience favorites. Here’s what the company has in store for audiences. NCO will present its season opener and company premiere of Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” in concert for one night only. The presentation stars Marina Costa-Jackson, Jonathan Burton, Levi Hernandez, and Donald Hartmann. NCO’s presentation of Puccini’s devastating {…}
The Wiener Staatsoper has canceled its opening night performance of “Manon Lescaut.” The company was forced to cancel the production due to a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the chorus. As a result, ticket holders will be refunded automatically. “Manon Lescaut” was set to open with a cast that includes Asmik Grigorian in the title role, Boris Pinkhasovich as Lescaut, {…}
(Credit: Tatyana Vlasova) The Staatsoper Hamburg has announced a cast change for its final performance of “Manon Lescaut.” The company noted that Kristine Opolais will take over the title role for Sonya Yoncheva. The Latvian soprano will join a cast that includes Brian Jagde, Kartal Karagedik, Tigran Martirossian, Daniel Kluge, Chao Deng, Gabriele Rossmanith, and Seungwoo Simon Yang. Francesco Ivan {…}
(Credit: Marty Sohl / Metropolitan Opera) “Page to Opera Stage” looks at stories–real-life or fiction, old and new–that have inspired operas, and the ways these narratives have been edited and dramatized to fit a new medium. In this instalment, we look at one novel–Abbé Prevost’s ‘Manon Lescaut’–and the two (very different) audience favourite operas it inspired: Jules Massenet’s “Manon” and {…}