I think that the first time I saw Manon was relatively late in my opera going career - in November of 1963, just over 50 years ago. And I remember it well, better than some performances I have heard of the piece more recently. Renata Scotto was the Manon, and the other leading roles were taken by three of the Canadians who were members of the Covent Garden company at the time, André Turp (Des Grieux), Robert Savoie (Lescaut) and Joseph Rouleau (Count des Grieux). In the small part of Rosette was a young woman Gwyneth Jones, yes the very same one and a mezzo then. The conductor was the ever elegant and polished John Pritchard.
I have of course seen the opera many times since then - and most recently and indelibly memorable, in Chicago in 2008 with Natalie Dessay and Jonas Kauffman. They were devastating in the St Sulpice scene. The production was earlyish David McVicar (vintage 1998) and the conductor Emmanuel Villaume. That was a terrific evening.
And it was Emmanuel Villaume who is also in charge at the ROH. And splendid he is too. The 2010 production, immensely enjoyable, is by Laurent Pelly - sharp as a needle in telling the story and engagingly stylised visually. I loved it. And the ROH orchestra and chorus yet again bring exceptional distinction to proceedings.
This was a rehearsal so no specific comment about the generally excellent cast, distinguished down to the smallest of parts as is invariably the case at this great company. However I must just say that I was thrilled to see Chicago Lyric alum Matthew Polenzani clearly destined for a huge success as Des Grieux, a part which suits him just perfectly. He is in great vocal form. Of course we know him well from Chicago where he has sung such a wide range of roles.
This afternoon I will be at the Royal Academy of Music for a musical gathering in memory of the much loved singer and teacher Noelle Barker who died last year. She was a big name as a singer in our musical life in the 1960s, and from the mid 1970s became one of the most admired and successful teachers - firstly at the Guildhall School of Music.
Next week I am looking forward to From Morning to Midnight at the National Theatre tomorrow, and Harry Christophers and the Sixteen doing Jephtha at the Barbican on Tuesday. London is abundant!
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