Kristine Opolais’ 2014 performance in the title role of Manon Lescaut at the Royal Opera House will receive an international DVD release, on October 12 via the Sony Classical label. The video is now available for pre-order via Amazon.co.uk. This spectacular new Jonathan Kent-directed production also features Jonas Kaufmann as Chevalier des Grieux, with Sir Antonio Pappano leading the Royal Opera House Orchestra and Chorus. Enjoy this video interview with the cast and creative team about the character of Manon Lescaut, as well as critical acclaim from the premiere:

“In the title role, Kristine Opolais sings with all the lovely lyrical ache and poise that Puccini must have dreamt of . . .”
Rupert Christiansen – The Telegraph

“With Kristine Opolais in the title role and Jonas Kaufman as her lover the Chevalier des Grieux, we are treated to two of the world’s finest singers at the height of their powers not only giving magnificent performances but clearly raising each other to even greater heights than usual . . . when they are belting out Puccini’s emotional music with such commitment and perfect delivery, the result is totally gripping.”
William Hartston – Express.co.uk

“Kristīne Opolais was in wonderful voice as Manon, even of tone and richly coloured, while as an actress of great power she traced a painful descent from sweet ingénue through kept woman to trafficked prostitute before finding redemption in death, filled with regret for what might have been – “Oblivion will wash away my faults but my love will never die.”
Mark Valencia – WhatsOnStage.com

“Perfectly matched physically to their roles and to each other, Latvian soprano Kristine Opolais and German tenor Jonas Kaufmann look and sound a dream. Their voices ample and glamorous, they encapsulate the doomed young lovers in their journey to despair in the wilderness of the final scene. It is hard to imagine either of the roles better done.”
George Hall – TheStage.co.uk