Opera in four acts (1893)
ROH Classic (2014)! Puccini’s inaugural triumph returned to Covent Garden for the first time in 30 years with Kristine Opolais and Jonas Kaufmann starring.
Jonathan Kent’s present day-set production finds contemporary resonance in the story of a woman tempted and misguided into acting against her best interests, who finally receives retribution far more severe than her actions could ever deserve.
The sumptuous, richly-coloured score is characterised by youthful vitality and filled with glorious melodies, from Des Grieux and Manon’s passionate duet ‘Vedete? Io son fedele’ to the overwhelming desolation of Manon’s final aria ‘Sola, perduta, abbandonata’.
Royal Opera House Music Director Sir Antonio Pappano conducts.