Iowa Public Radio’s 2017 Arias in April 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, April 8th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 9th at 11:00 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 tenor Joseph Dennis as the Chevalier des Grieux, baritone Troy Cook as de Brétigny, 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.
