January 20, 2018
Irina Lungu to make her debut in the title role of Massenet’s Manon
On January 20, 2018 Irina Lungu will debut the role of Manon in Massenet’s homonymous opera at the ABAO Bilbao, in a production by Arnaud Bernard under the musical direction of Alain Guingal, the first of a series of four performances running through January 29, 2018. She will share the stage with Michael Fabiano as Le Chevalier Des Grieux, Manel Esteve as Lescaut and Roberto Tagliavini as Le Comte Des Grieux.
“Manon is a role I have been preparing for a long time”, states the Russian soprano. “The biggest challenge is to turn such a multifaceted and complex character into a believable woman who expresses so many feelings at the same time. She changes her mood and mind, growing throughout life. Manon dies very young, but in her short existence she makes a complete journey reflecting the deepest female nature, from the light heartedness at the beginning of the opera, through her deep and sincere love for Des Grieux, the awareness of her sex appeal and effect on men, repentance and finally death. It is challenging and stimulating to make this woman called Manon live all these experiences in three and a half hours.”
Irina Lungu has received rave reviews for her highly acclaimed past forays into the French repertoire, with her unforgettable portrayals of Marguerite in Faust, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette and Micaëla in Carmen.
After this Bilbao Manon, Irina Lungu’s 2017/2018 season includes Rachmaninov’s Les Cloches at the Philharmonie de Paris, Lucia di Lammermoor at the Den Norske Opera Oslo and the title role in Anna Bolena at the Teatro Filarmonico Verona.
Information about Manon at ABAO Bilbao:
Manon: Irina Lungu; Le Chevalier Des Grieux: Michael Fabiano; Lescaut: Manel Esteve; Le Comte des Grieux: Roberto Tagliavini; Guillot Monfortaine: Francisco Vas; Monsieur de Brétigny: Fernando Latorre; Poussette: Ana Nebot; Javotte: Itziar de Unda; Rossette: MarÍa José Suárez.
Alain Guingal, conductor; Arnaud Bernard, stage director.
Performances: January 20, 23, 26, 29, 2018