The critically acclaimed 2015 DVD release of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut from London’s Royal Opera House, starring Kristine Opolais in the title role and Jonas Kaufmann as Des Grieux, has been nominated for a 2016 International Opera Award. Winners in all categories will be announced live at a gala event in London on May 15, and posted online.

“ . . . do not pass up the chance to see the power and achievement of Jonas Kaufmann and Kristine Opolais in the lead roles. Even in this day and age, to see (and hear) such uninhibited physical mastery of stage parts in opera is not so common – and everyone from the artists themselves to the director, designers, and video director should be praised . . .

Opolais and Kaufmann have the sort of continuous contact that many directors can only dream of getting from their principals. They can really sing it too, both pacing themselves well so as not to cheat on any of the full-throttle verismo demanded in the Act 2 duet – performed in intimately testing positions all over Geronte’s bed . . .”

Mike Ashman – Gramophone