Anna Netrebko at the ROH's 2011-2012 season

The Rotal Opera House, Covent Garden has provided a press release providing some partial information about the new 2011-2012 season.

Anna Netrebko will return to Covent Garden to sing the iconic role of Violetta Valéry in the classical Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's masterpiece "La Traviata".

Three casts are scheduled. The first cast (30 September) features Marina Poplavskaya as Violetta, James Valenti as Alfredo and Leo Nucci as Giorgio Germont. The second (25 November) features Ailyn Pérez as Violetta, Piotr Beczala as Alfredo and Simon Keenlyside as Giorgio Germont. In the third (2 January) Ermonela Jaho and Anna Netrebko share the role of Violetta, Stephen Costello and Vittorio Grigolo share the role of Alfredo and Paolo Gavanelli sings Giorgio Germont.

The dates for the performances featuring the third cast are 2., 6., 9., 17., 20., 23. and 25. January 2012.

According to the information provided by Bachtrack, Anna Netrebko would only sing two performances, on 17. and 20. Jan 2012 and Stephen Costello would be Alfredo in both performances. The conductor would be Maurizio Benini.

La Traviata, ROH, London 17. Jan 2012 – Anna Netrebko (Violetta Valéry), Stephen Costello (Alfredo Germont), Paolo Gavanelli (Giorgio Germont), NN (Baron Douphol), NN (Doctor Grenvil), Justina Gringyte (Flora Bervoix), Jeremy White (Marquis d’Obigny), NN (Gastone), NN (Annina); Richard Eyre (Production), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Maurizio Benini 

La Traviata, ROH, London 20. Jan 2012 – Anna Netrebko (Violetta Valéry), Stephen Costello (Alfredo Germont), Paolo Gavanelli (Giorgio Germont), NN (Baron Douphol), NN (Doctor Grenvil), Justina Gringyte (Flora Bervoix), Jeremy White (Marquis d’Obigny), NN (Gastone), NN (Annina); Richard Eyre (Production), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Maurizio Benini

Check out the last updated version of Anna Netrebko's 2011-2012 season.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Anna Netrebko, Maurizio Benini and Jonas Kaufmann in Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata" at the ROH on 26. Jan 2008. Photo: Olga

Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Anna Netrebko in Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata" at the ROH on 26. Jan 2008. Photo: Olga

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

Manon, ROH, London 4. July 2010

Fifth 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. The rest of the cast was almost identical to the first four performances, the only difference being now Guy de Mey as Guillot de Morfontaine. Two more performances are scheduled on 7. and 10. July 2010.

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
Sunday 4. July 2010 1:00 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
Manon will be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Personal Report
This weekend I have been in London and I have been lucky enough to be able to attend three fantastic opera performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. First, on Friday 2. July 2010 Elijah Moshinsky's production of Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra", with a super cast starring Plácido Domingo in the title role, Joseph Calleja as Gabriele Adorno, Marina Poplavskaya as Amelia, Ferruccio Furlaneto as Fiesco and Antonio Pappano conducting, then on Saturday 3. July 2010 David McVickar's production of Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" with Erwin Schrott as Figaro and finally on Sunday 4. July 2010 Laurent Pelly's new production of Massenet's"Manon" starring Anna Netrebko in the title role, the young italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Le Chevalier Des Grieux and once again the fabulous Antonio Pappano conducting.

This was my second performance for this new production of "Manon" at the Royal Opera House, as I had also attended the performance on 25. June 2010. Therefore, I was familiar with the details of the sets. I loved the idea to place the set at the end of the 19th Century, The First Act takes place at a square in front of an Inn. Buildings surround the square and large stairs are in front of the stage. The Second Act takes place at a small flat, with a bed and a small table, on the top of the roofs of Paris. The First Scene of the Third act is less impressive, with some ramps crossing the stage from one side to the other. The Second Scene takes place at the church of Saint Sulpice showing also the small appartment for the Chévalier Des Grieux. The set for this Scene were also very nice. The Fourth Act takes place at what looks like an underground casino, without any decoration, simple plane tables and lights, with once again ramps crossing the stage from one side to the other and some stairs between the ramps. A small door is on the top, on the fron of the stage. Guests are dressed for a party and the contratst between the dresses and the place is evident. Finally, sets for the last Fifth Act are quite simple, showing us just an almost void street near Le Havre's Harbour.

Anna Netrebko was Manon! She was so believable since the first moment she comes on stage! Anna was a wildly innocent sixteen girl, avid to get new sensations, open to the world and fascinated by beautifiul dresses and pleasures of life. Vocally she was perfect, always able to trespass the orchestral mass with her high notes, allowing the orchestra to play without any volume restrictions given by the voices. The entrance of Vittorio Grigolo was also stunning. The story of love, passion and tragedy was ready to start and the chemistry between the two singers was evident since the first moment they are together on stage.

On the second Act Anna was a sexy girl living with her Chevalier but eager to live the pleasures of life, pleasures that she cannot get with him. Particularly moving was when she was at the door of their small flat, looking at the small table from the door, and she started to sing "Adieu, notre petite table".

In the first scene of the Third Act Anna was now a rich woman, wearing an dressed light pink dress, and getting all she wants from De Brétigny. The Second Scene, when she mets le Chevalier Des Grieux at Saint Sulpice, is one of my favorites moments of the opera. The temptation scene was superb. Both Anna and Vittorio were performing at their best, both vocally and acting. The audience become crazy at the end of the scene, giving to them a well deserved amount of applauses and "bravi".

The entrance of Anna at the Fourt Act, wearing a fantastic dress, quite similar to the one she had used for the cover of the CD Opera or the Wiener Opernball 2007. The contrast with the nude green walls of the casino, with the lights focussing on her, was spectacular. Following her, Vittorio dressing a frac. Both of them looking gorgeous.

Finally, we arrive to the last Fifth Act, together with the Second Scene of the Third Act one of my favorites moments of the opera. Once again, stunning performance of Anna and Vittorio, absolutely moving dead scene. I ended up with tears in my eyes.

An absoultely stunning performance of "Manon". Aside of Anna and Vittorio, I would like to higlight the superb conducting of Maestro Antonio Pappano. Fabulous sound of the orchestra and chorus. The rest of the cast was also good and I would like to point out the very good performances of Guy de Mey, as Guillot de Morfontaine and Christof Fischesser as Comte Des Grieux.

Strong applauses for, in order of appearance, Vittorio Grigolo, Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano. Nevertheless, taking into account the magificent performance we got, I think the audience was a little bit cold.

After the performance, I met Anna at her dressing room and she signed me several outstanding photos from this production.

Press Reviews
[1] Una "Manon" para la Netrebko - By J.M. Irurzun, La Razón 5. Jul 2010

Blog Reports
[1] Aparté: Manon, 4. July 2010
[2] Classical Iconoclast: Massenet "Manon" Royal Opera House, 6. Jul 2010

Photos

The score for Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

William Shimell, Russell Braun, Anna Netrebko, Vittorio Grigolo and Christof Fischesser at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko and Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Russell Braun, Anna Netrebko, Vittorio Grigolo and Christof Fischesser at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Antonio Pappano at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

William Shimell, Russell Braun, Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Erwin Schrott at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Manon, ROH, London 25. June 2010

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

Friday 25. June 2010 6:30 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: Christophe Mortagne

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

BBC Radio 3 will broadcast one of the current performances of Manon on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Reports

Herbert attended the performance and he kindly wrote the following report for the blog,

"Powerful and passionate – this is how I would describe that magic evening with Massenet’s MANON at the Royal Opera House.

It was one of the most powerful and passionate MANONs I have ever seen, thanks to the lively and elaborate choreography on stage (only the production at the Gran Teatre de Liceu in Barcelona was better); thanks to Antonio Pappano, his orchestra and the chorus; and above all thanks to Anna Netrebko in the title role, and Vittorio Grigolo as the best Des Grieux I can think of. An extra bravo also to Christophe Mortagne, because he makes so much more of the usually trite role of Guillot de Morfontaine.

If there is any weak point to be found it may be the scenery. The casino in act IV with its dark, undecorated walls looks more like a fallout shelter in the fifth basement. And there are quite a number of time-consuming scenery changes (which offer the opportunity to admire the heavy red velvet curtain with its golden embroidery ;-)). All different settings – simple as they may be – have something in common: Lots of stairs and mostly three diagonal levels to run up and down.

The costumes are masterpieces – especially those of Anna Netrebko, of course. Starting with the outfit of a 16-year-old-girl on her way to a convent, then a simple short white nightie in act II, followed by a lavish white dress in the Cours-la-Reine scene in act III. A real eye candy is the long, tight pink dress in the casino, which looks very much like the dress she wore at her performance during the Wiener Opernball in 2007. And finally – as a hard contrast – the grey rags and coat in the last act, where the soldiers, quite drastically, spit on her before they leave her lying in the gutter.

But forget all this fuss! It is Anna Netrebko and a sensational Vittorio Grigolo who set the stage „on fire“ by their powerful and passionate voices and acting. It looks as if – finally! – a new and adequate stage partner for Anna Netrebko has been found who makes the stage sparkle with vibrations from the first moment when he rushes onto the setting almost head over heels. There is an instant chemistry between him and her. Yes, maybe he is sometimes so much overcome by his emotions that some notes „get out of place“, and sometimes his voice sounds like a roar of thunder, that even some glasses high up in the Amphitheatre might crack – but the overall impression of this young tenor is just extraordinary.

I for myself usually do not respond too emotionally to the performances of male singers ;-)), but Grigolo sometimes gave me the same goose pimples as Anna Netrebko did again and again last night. Although I must say, yesterday I had the impression that her stage partner made her excel herself.

My favourite scenes between them both were – little wonder – the „seduction“ in Saint-Sulpice and the final scene when Manon is dying. There was fire in the air when Manon, in a simple, but elegant, strapless white dress, and the new “Abbé des Grieux” clash in Saint-Sulpice. Full of anger he rebuffs her and turns his back towards her. But then she falls on her knees and with her arms widespread leans towards him and she begs him to forgive her and reminds him of their past love. She almost crawls to him, touches his finger tips gently, which scares him – but finally he just has to “surrender”, and at that moment she clutches his breast from behind.

Similarly moving is the death scene at the end, and I will never forget Des Grieux’s piercing shriek when he realizes that she is dead and then collapses over her dead body.

Vittorio Grigolo got the loudest final applause, whereas Anna Netrebko got the longest. Grigolo was so overwhelmed when he actually ran onto the stage and knelt down in front of the audience to receive his well deserved ovations.

When Anna Netrebko came out of the stage door after the show she was in high spirits and full of willingness to share some time with her fans waiting for her. She had obviously enjoyed that outstanding performance as much as the audience did."

Photos

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Vittorio Grigolo at the ROH stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the ROH stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the ROH stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

The Royal Opera announces a tour to Japan in September 2010

The Royal Opera announces that they will embark on a tour to Japan in September 2010, performing both in Tokyo and Yokohama. The Royal Opera will take Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata" and this season's new production of Massenet's "Manon" by Laurent Pelly. Music Director Antonio Pappano will conduct eight opera performances.

The cast for "La Traviata" features Angela Gheorghiu as Violetta, James Valenti as Alfredo Germont and Simon Keenlyside as Giorgio Germont. Four performances are scheduled, one in Yokohama on 12. September 2010 and three in Tokyo on 16., 19. and 22. Sep 2010.

The cast for "Manon" features Anna Netrebko in the title role and Matthew Polenzani as Le Chevalier des Grieux. Four performances are scheduled on 11., 14., 17. and 20. September 2010, all of them in Tokyo.

Related posts
Anna Netrebko | 2010-2011 Season