OPERA: MANON

Amelia Farrugia is aptly cast as Manon, the vivacious prostitute heroine of Jules Massenet’s eponymous opera, which premiered in 1884 and subsequently became a perennial of the western operatic repertoire. Sent by her family to a life in a convent at a tender age, Manon meets the dashing Chevalier Des Grieux on the way. They fall in love at first sight and run off together, and from that moment we know no good can come of this union. Derived from a story written in 1731 by the Abbé Prévost, Massenet’s work captured public imagination when it burst onto the stage in the late 19th century, coming second in popularity only to Carmen at the Paris Opera-Comique in 1884. Although Manon has not retained its status, Massenet’s score still has the power to charm, and French conductor Emmanuel Plasson sensitively evokes the emotional nuances of this late romantic work. Kanen Breen oozes a lewd charm as Guillot de Morfontaine, who tries to seduce the innocent young Manon, and Julian Gavin is an appealing Chevalier Des Grieux. If you are not familiar with Massenet’s work, don’t let that deter you from seeing a fine performance by Amelia Farrugia. You’ll not regret it.

Until Feb 13, Sydney Opera House, $93-250, 9318 8200 or opera-australia.org.au