Manon, ROH, London 10. July 2010

Seventh and last performance of the run of the new Laurent Pelly's production of Massenet's "Manon" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, starring Anna Netrebko in the title role, Vittorio Grigolo as Chevalier Des Grieux and Antonio Pappano on the pit..

In September the production moves to Japan for a tour with Anna Netrebko in the title role, Matthew Polenzani as Chevalier Des Grieux and Antonio Pappano conducting.

Manon

Opéra comique in five acts

Music by Jules Massenet

Libretto by Henri Milhac and Philippe Gille

After the novel L'Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by

Abbé Antoine-François Prévost

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London

Saturday 10. July 2010 7:30 PM

PRODUCTION

Director: Laurent Pelly

Designer: Chantal Thomas

Lighting Designer: Joël Adam

Choreographer: Lionel Hoche

CAST

Manon: Anna Netrebko

Chevalier des Grieux: Vittorio Grigolo

Lescaut: Russell Braun

Comte des Grieux: Christof Fischesser

Guillot de Morfontaine: Guy de Mey

Brétigny: William Shimell

Poussette: Simona Mihai

Javotte: Louise Innes

Rosette: Kai Rüütel

Innkeeper: Lynton Black

Conductor: Antonio Pappano

Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Background

Introduction, Synopsis and Characters

Radio Broadcasts

One of the performances of Manon, most probably the one on 1. July 2010, has been broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Reports

Herbert, who has attended the performance of Manon on 25. June 2010, attended also this last one and he wrote the following short report for the blog,

Oh my God – it is hard to believe, but today’s performance was even better than the one on 25. June. Maybe because it was the last performance in this run, but everybody on stage and in the orchestra pit added a little extra and made it an unforgettable evening. This performance should have been recorded on DVD – but it isn’t.

Even Anna could improve a little bit. Some tiny gestures rounded her portrait of Manon, and her aria at „Cours-la-Reine“ was absolutely immaculate.

Vittorio Grigolo’s vocal weaknesses of last time had disappeared completely, and his acting was full of passion and credibility again.

Their duet in St. Sulpice couldn’t be more passionate and breathtaking as it was!

So this was a perfect highlight to finish this run of Manon at the ROH.

There was a large crowd waiting at the stage door today. Anna was accompanied by Erwin Schrott again, and there was applause and cheers when they left and waved at the fans.

Vittorio was surrounded by many many women, one of them had even come from Canada only to see him in this production!

Photos

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

William Shimell, Russel Braun, Anna Netrebko, Antonio Pappano and Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Erwin Schrott and Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert