Iowa Public Radio’s 2016 Opera in October series continues with a performance from the Des Moines Metro Opera’s 44th Festival opera season. This broadcast features Jules Massenet’s Manon on Saturday, October 8th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 9th at 3:00 p.m.
Based on Prevost's novel L'histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut, the opera tells the story of the impulsive Manon, who falls in love with the young student des Grieux. Since Manon also longs for luxury and excitement, she foolishly cannot resist when the rich nobleman De Brétigny offers to make her his mistress. Her choice between young love and the allure of life’s luxurious temptations has made for a timeless tale, often retold through ballet, theatre and the visual arts. The dazzling soprano Sydney Mancasola takes on the title role of Manon, with Ashly Neumann as Poussette and Emma Sorenson as Javotte. The DMMO’s Music Director and principal conductor David Neely takes the podium with Kristen McIntyre serving as Stage Director.
