UBC Opera: Manon

Ópera-Comique in Five Acts
Sung in French with English Surtitles

Jules Massenet | Composer
Henri Meilhac & Philippe Gille | Librettists 

Emily Pogorelc | Manon
Frédéric Antoun | Des Grieux
In collaboration with the Opera West Society.

Jules Massenet’s Manon is a captivating French Romantic opera that premiered in Paris in 1884 and became a mainstay of the Opéra-Comique. The story follows the passionate and tumultuous romance between Chevalier des Grieux and the enchanting Manon Lescaut. Initially destined for a convent, Manon meets des Grieux and they instantly fall in love and decide to elope. However, their happiness is threatened by des Grieux’s father and the wealthy nobleman de Bretigny, who conspire to separate them. Faced with difficult choices and intense emotions, Manon’s journey is filled with love, betrayal, and dramatic twists. Manon promises an unforgettable experience with its riveting plot and beautiful music.

Jacques Lacombe | Conductor
Nancy Hermiston | Director
Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra