This Saturday, WHRO-FM begins a special summer series exploring the timeless story of Manon Lescaut through three different operatic interpretations. We start with Daniel Auber’s opera, broadcast from the Teatro Regio in Turin as part of the WFMT Opera Series. Over the following two weeks, we will continue with Jules Massenet’s “Manon” and conclude with Giacomo Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut,” offering listeners a unique opportunity to hear how three composers bring Manon’s tale to life in their own distinct styles.
Auber’s rarely performed 1856 version brings the story of love, ambition, and heartbreak to the grand French opera stage with elegance and lyrical beauty. This production features soprano Rocío Pérez in the title role of Manon, with Sébastien Guèze as Des Grieux, the young man who falls hopelessly in love with her. The cast also includes Francesco Salvadori as Lescaut, Armando Noguera as Le Marquis d’Hérigny, Manuela Custer as Madame Bancelin, Guillaume Andrieux as Monsieur Renaud, Lamia Beuque as Marguerite, and Paolo Battaglia as Monsieur Durozeau. Conductor Guillaume Tourniaire leads the Teatro Regio Chorus and Orchestra, bringing Auber’s expressive score to life.
Join us for the first opera in our Manon Lescaut series this Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m., by tuning in to WHRO-FM 90.3 or listening online via our Media Player. Experience the start of this fascinating journey through Manon’s story, and discover how each composer transforms her tale into unforgettable music.
