Vienna State Opera

“Manon” touches everyone in her misery!

Touching: Kristina Mkhitaryan as Manon Lescaut(Bild: Wiener-Staatsoper/Michael Poehn)

The Russian Kristina Mkhitaryan made her debut at the Vienna State Opera as "Manon" in the opera of the same name by Jules Massenet. Overall impression: an extremely well-behaved repertoire.

Jules Massenet's "Manon" with Anna Netrebko had its State Opera premiere in 2007 in Andrei Serban's once charming, now somewhat sloppy production. Now the internationally sought-after Russian Kristina Mkhitaryan has made her debut in this role. A powerfully luminous soprano with a slightly darkened mid-range and high notes. She expertly portrays the transformation of the naïve, life-hungry girl into a sophisticated courtesan. Her fight for Des Grieux's lover in the church of Saint-Sulpice is impressive; her arrest, misery and death are moving.

Mattia Olivieri (Lescaut) and Kristina Mkhitaryan (Manon Lescaut)(Bild: Wiener-Staatsoper/Michael Poehn)

Vittorio Grigolo (Chevalier Des Grieux) and Kristina Mkhitaryan (Manon Lescaut)(Bild: Wiener-Staatsoper/Michael Poehn)

Vittorio Grigolo (Des Grieux) is better in the dramatic moments than in love scenes. Mattei Olivieri is a loud performer. The other roles are solid. The State Opera Orchestra under Emmanuel Villaume would have benefited from more rehearsal time. Overall impression: well-behaved repertoire.