Manon
by Jules Massenet



Lisette Oropesa stars as the irresistible title character, the tragic beauty who yearns for the finer things in life. Maurizio Benini conducts Massenet’s sensual score.

Premiere: Opéra Comique, Paris, 1884. A take on the quintessentially French tale of the beautiful young woman who is incapable of forsaking both love and luxury, Massenet’s Manon features one of the truly unforgettable, irresistible, and archetypal female characters in opera.

Massenet’s score captures the drama of his most memorable heroine with deft craftsmanship, expressive vocal and orchestral writing, and an almost unparalleled level of sensuality.

The opera is set in and around Paris, with familiar landmarks such as the church of St. Sulpice forming important reference points in the story. The opera was originally set in the early 18th century, but the Met’s current production places the story in the late 19th century, the so-called “Belle Époque” and the time when the opera was written.



Start time: 10:00am on Capital Public Radio .
Approximate running time 3 hrs 55 min

Click in the "LINKS" area for more information on the Met website about Manon including cast, synopsis, history and more.