Kristine Opolais will revisit her acclaimed role of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut in a concert performance on September 15 at Staatsoper Hamburg. Conducted by Francesco Ivan Ciampa, Ms. Opolais is joined by a starry cast including Kartal Karagedik as Lescaut, Brian Jagde as Des Grieux, Tigran Martirossian as Geronte di Ravoir, and Daniel Kluge as Edmondo, among others.

Her portrayal of Manon Lescaut at the Metropolitan Opera had The New York Times raving: “As Manon, the soprano Kristine Opolais sounded as glamorous as she looked. […] Ms. Opolais’s Manon is overcome with attraction to des Grieux, feelings that unfold in the radiant warmth and sultry ardor of her singing during their romantic exchanges. But she also subtly reveals Manon’s desperation: a young woman whose father seems to have come on hard times is destined for a convent, yet quivering with desire.”

Check out The Royal Opera House’s live DVD recording of Kristine Opolais as Manon Lescaut via Ms. Opolais’ Recordings.

Photo credit: Kristian Schuller