Piotr Beczala as Des GrieuxAs the screening of the incredible fifth season of the Met Opera nears ‘curtain call’, audiences still have the opportunity to be wowed by world class ‘live’ opera productions on the big screen exclusively at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor Theatres.
Releasing in cinema on April 27, Massenet’s Manon directed by Laurent Pelly was first premiered at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden in 2010 to immense critical acclaim and the production continues to dazzle! With costumes designed by Pelly himself, a set designed by Chantal Thomas, lighting by Joël Adam and choreography by Lionel Hoche, the show is visually rewarding and translates really well to the big screen.
Hosted by Deborah Voigt and conducted by the Met’s Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi, the opera stars the highly acclaimed Anna Netrebko in her role debut at the Met as the enchanting yet ill-fated Manon.
Massenet’s Manon is one of the composer’s most popular operas and takes place in France during the 18th century under the reign of Louis XV. The story follows the hapless journey of a young woman from a sheltered background who ‘escapes’ a predetermined path of a life within the convent. Caught up in the glamorous and wealthy world of Paris, life quickly turns sour for the young Manon and her love interest Chevalier des Grieux, performed by Piotr Beczala.
For a quick preview see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMk3gp3g5GE
The movie will be released at Cinema Nouveau at Gateway and Ster-Kinekor at Shelly Beach.
(Another opera production to look forward to this season is “La Traviata” composed by Verdi which will be released on May 4)
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