We’re excited to announce we’ve secured a limited number of premium tickets to the short Wellington Opera season of ‘Manon’, a comic/tragic opera by French composer Jules Massenet. The production is significant as it brings together arguably the three most prominent New Zealanders currently performing on the world’s opera stages.
‘Manon’ is the quintessential example of the charm and vitality of the music and culture of the Parisian ‘belle epoque’ period of the late 19th century. The opera tells the story of the beautiful, but frivolous Manon Lescaut, a young woman torn between true love with the penniless student, Chevalier des Grieux, and the allure of wealth. This leads her to abandon him for rich lovers, only to realise over time, she has made a mistake and her attempt to return to him has tragic consequences.
The part of Manon will be performed by lyric soprano Amina Edris. Born in Egypt and raised in New Zealand, Amina studied under Dame Malvina Major before making her professional opera debut in 2015. Since then, Amina has performed around the world with many prestigious opera companies. 2019 saw her debut in France in the role of Manon with Opera national de Bordeaux to great acclaim.
Pene Pati, who takes the role of Chevalier des Grieux, needs little introduction to Kiwis. He first came to prominence as one third of Sol3 Mio with his brother and cousin. Pene made his operatic debut in 2017 in ‘Rigoletto’ whilst still a student at San Francisco Opera with critics hailing his performance as a revelation from one so young. Since then, Pene has performed on the most prominent world stages including Paris Opera, Royal Opera Covent Garden and New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
The role of Lescault, a rakish guardsman, keen gambler and cousin of Manon, is played by Hawke’s Bay’s own Phillip Rhodes. His rich baritone voice first came to prominence under the guidance of renowned tenor, Patrick Powers, by winning the Lexus Song Contest before international training and competition beckoned, courtesy of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa who compared his voice to that of Inia Te Wiata. Since 2016 he has enjoyed a flourishing international career, returning regularly to his beloved Hastings to catch up with family.
We’ll overnight in the capital at Rydges Hotel and the Wellington Opera production is staged at the glorious St James Theatre.
It’s rare to be able to enjoy so much kiwi operatic talent on stage here in New Zealand. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this small group tour.