Anna Netrebko at the Ioan Holender's Farewell Gala at the Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010

London 26. June 2010 13:30. Anna Netrebko arrives to the stage door of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. She is almost running, carrying a huge Daisy in her arms. She had to meet Antonio Pappano, Plácido Domingo and Ferruccio Furlanetto, who had been performing at the dress rehearsal of Simon Boccanegra the same morning, to take a minivan to the airport and take a private jet to Wien to attend the spectacular Ioan Holender's farewell gala at the Wiener Staatsoper, scheduled on the same day. Two minivan were waiting for the group. Anna Netrebko, with her huge Daisy, Ferruccio Furlaneto and Antonio Pappano took the first minivan. Plácido Domingo and Simon Keenlyside took the second one.

Plácido Domingo and Joseph Calleja at the ROH stage door after the dress rehearsal for Simon Boccanegra. Plácido Domingo and Simon Keenlyside take the minivan to the airport to fly to Wien.

The Ioan Holender's farewell gala was really spectacular. More than four hours of performances, with 12 conductors and around 50 singers. The gala was broadcast live by ORF 2.

"EIN MARSCHALL DER BÜHNE…" - WELTSTARS VERABSCHIEDEN IOAN HOLENDER

Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010

I. TEIL

COSI FAN TUTTE, Un' aura amorosa - Michael Schade, Franz Welser-Möst

COSI FAN TUTTE, Prendero quel brunettino - Barbara Frittoli, Angelika Kirchschlager, Franz Welser-Möst

FEDORA, Amor ti vieta - Ramon Vargas, Fabio Luisi

HËRODIADE, Vision fugitive - Boaz Daniel, Bertrand de Billy

DIE SCHWEIGSAME FRAU, Wie schön ist doch die Musik - Thomas Quasthoff, Peter Schneider

LINDA DI CHAMOUNIX, O luce di questa anima - Stefania Bonfadelli, Marco Armiliato

TRISTAN UND ISOLDE, Liebestod - Waltraud Meier, Antonio Pappano

I VESPRI SICILIANI, In braccio alle dovizie - Leo Nucci, Marco Armiliato

GUILLAUME TELL, Sois immobile - Thomas Hampson, Fabio Luisi

DIE LUSTIGE WITWE, Duett Valencienne â Camille - Angelika Kirchschlager, Michael Schade, Franz Welser-Möst

II. TEIL

DIE WALKÜRE, Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond - Plácido Domingo, Antonio Pappano

DAS TRAUMFRESSERCHEN, Lied des Traumfresserchen - Herwig Pecoraro

GIANNI SCHICCHI, Avete torto - Saimir Pirgu, Marco Armiliato

NABUCCO, Va pensiero - Chor, Thomas Lang

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, Dove sono - Barbara Frittoli, Bertrand de Billy

LA SONNAMBULA, Ah non credea - Diana Damrau, Chor, Marco Armiliato

ROMÉO ET JULIETTE, Ah! Leve toi soleil - Ramón Vargas, Plácido Domingo

DER RIESE VOM STEINFELD, Lied vom traurigen Montag - Thomas Hampson, Michael Halasz

DIE FRAU OHNE SCHATTEN, Finale - Falk Struckmann, Johan Botha, Adrianne Pieczonka, Deborah Polanski, Ileana Tonca, Teodora Gheorghiu, Roxana Constantinescu, Zoryana Kushpler, Michaela Selinger, Aura Twarowska, Damenchor, Franz Welser-Möst

III. TEIL

TRISTAN UND ISOLDE, O sink hernieder - Peter Seiffert, Petra Maria Schnitzer, Violeta Urmana, Franz Welser-Möst

DON CARLOS, Elle ne m'aime pas - Ferruccio Furlanetto, Bertrand de Billy

DIE TOTE STADT, Glück das mir verblieb - Angela Denoke, Stephen Gould, Franz Welser-Möst

WERTHER, Briefszene - Roxana Constantinescu, Bertrand de Billy

WERTHER, Pourquoi me reveiller? - Piotr Beczala, Bertrand de Billy

LE VILLI, Se come voi - Krassimira Stoyanova, Simone Young

LOHENGRIN, Gralserzählung - Johan Botha, Simone Young

OTELLO, Credo in un Dio crudel - Falk Struckmann, Bertrand de Billy

ARABELLA, Er ist der Richtige nicht für mich - Adrianne Pieczonka, Genia Kühmeier, Franz Welser-Möst

MANON, Je marche sur tous les chemins - Anna Netrebko, Chor, Betrand de Billy

LA FILLE DU REGIMENT, Par le rang - Natalie Dessay, Herrenchor, Marco Armiliato

LA FORZA DEL DESTINO, Pace, pace - Violeta Urmana, Zubin Mehta

FAUST, Salut! Demeure chaste et peure - Piotr Beczala, Bertrand de Billy

DAS RHEINGOLD, Ãœber Stock und Stein - Adrian Eröd, Elisabeth Kulmann, Boaz Daniel, Gergely Nemeti, Franz Welser-Möst

MACBETH, Pieta, rispetto - Simon Keenlyside, Guillermo García Calvo

FALSTAFF, Fuge - Leo Nucci, Boaz Daniel, Krassimira Stoyanova, Ileana Tonca, Gergely Nemeti, Nadia Krasteva, Elisabeth Kulmann, Herwig Pecoraro, Alfred Sramek, Michael Roider, Franz Welser-Möst

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon". Bertrand de Billy conducts.

Photos

Musikalische Rückschau, Der Direction Ioan Holender 1991-2010, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Ioan Holender, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon", Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon", Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon", Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon", Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon", Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko sings "Je marche sur tous les chemins" from Massenet's "Manon", Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko and other guests, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko and other guests, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko and other guests, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko and other guests, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 26. June 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Manon, ROH, London 25. June 2010

Manon

Opéra comique in five acts

Music by Jules Massenet

Libretto by Henri Milhac and Philippe Gille

After the novel L'Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by

Abbé Antoine-François Prévost

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London

Friday 25. June 2010 6:30 PM

PRODUCTION

Director: Laurent Pelly

Designer: Chantal Thomas

Lighting Designer: Joël Adam

Choreographer: Lionel Hoche

CAST

Manon: Anna Netrebko

Chevalier des Grieux: Vittorio Grigolo

Lescaut: Russell Braun

Comte des Grieux: Christof Fischesser

Guillot de Morfontaine: Christophe Mortagne

Brétigny: William Shimell

Poussette: Simona Mihai

Javotte: Louise Innes

Rosette: Kai Rüütel

Innkeeper: Lynton Black

Conductor: Antonio Pappano

Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Background

Introduction, Synopsis and Characters

Radio Broadcasts

BBC Radio 3 will broadcast one of the current performances of Manon on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Reports

Herbert attended the performance and he kindly wrote the following report for the blog,

"Powerful and passionate – this is how I would describe that magic evening with Massenet’s MANON at the Royal Opera House.

It was one of the most powerful and passionate MANONs I have ever seen, thanks to the lively and elaborate choreography on stage (only the production at the Gran Teatre de Liceu in Barcelona was better); thanks to Antonio Pappano, his orchestra and the chorus; and above all thanks to Anna Netrebko in the title role, and Vittorio Grigolo as the best Des Grieux I can think of. An extra bravo also to Christophe Mortagne, because he makes so much more of the usually trite role of Guillot de Morfontaine.

If there is any weak point to be found it may be the scenery. The casino in act IV with its dark, undecorated walls looks more like a fallout shelter in the fifth basement. And there are quite a number of time-consuming scenery changes (which offer the opportunity to admire the heavy red velvet curtain with its golden embroidery ;-)). All different settings – simple as they may be – have something in common: Lots of stairs and mostly three diagonal levels to run up and down.

The costumes are masterpieces – especially those of Anna Netrebko, of course. Starting with the outfit of a 16-year-old-girl on her way to a convent, then a simple short white nightie in act II, followed by a lavish white dress in the Cours-la-Reine scene in act III. A real eye candy is the long, tight pink dress in the casino, which looks very much like the dress she wore at her performance during the Wiener Opernball in 2007. And finally – as a hard contrast – the grey rags and coat in the last act, where the soldiers, quite drastically, spit on her before they leave her lying in the gutter.

But forget all this fuss! It is Anna Netrebko and a sensational Vittorio Grigolo who set the stage „on fire“ by their powerful and passionate voices and acting. It looks as if – finally! – a new and adequate stage partner for Anna Netrebko has been found who makes the stage sparkle with vibrations from the first moment when he rushes onto the setting almost head over heels. There is an instant chemistry between him and her. Yes, maybe he is sometimes so much overcome by his emotions that some notes „get out of place“, and sometimes his voice sounds like a roar of thunder, that even some glasses high up in the Amphitheatre might crack – but the overall impression of this young tenor is just extraordinary.

I for myself usually do not respond too emotionally to the performances of male singers ;-)), but Grigolo sometimes gave me the same goose pimples as Anna Netrebko did again and again last night. Although I must say, yesterday I had the impression that her stage partner made her excel herself.

My favourite scenes between them both were – little wonder – the „seduction“ in Saint-Sulpice and the final scene when Manon is dying. There was fire in the air when Manon, in a simple, but elegant, strapless white dress, and the new “Abbé des Grieux” clash in Saint-Sulpice. Full of anger he rebuffs her and turns his back towards her. But then she falls on her knees and with her arms widespread leans towards him and she begs him to forgive her and reminds him of their past love. She almost crawls to him, touches his finger tips gently, which scares him – but finally he just has to “surrender”, and at that moment she clutches his breast from behind.

Similarly moving is the death scene at the end, and I will never forget Des Grieux’s piercing shriek when he realizes that she is dead and then collapses over her dead body.

Vittorio Grigolo got the loudest final applause, whereas Anna Netrebko got the longest. Grigolo was so overwhelmed when he actually ran onto the stage and knelt down in front of the audience to receive his well deserved ovations.

When Anna Netrebko came out of the stage door after the show she was in high spirits and full of willingness to share some time with her fans waiting for her. She had obviously enjoyed that outstanding performance as much as the audience did."

Photos

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Vittorio Grigolo at the ROH stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the ROH stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the ROH stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 25. June 2010. Photo: Herbert

Manon, ROH, London 22. June 2010

Yesterday it was the premiere of the new production of Massenet's "Manon" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, starring Anna Netrebko in the title role and Vittorio Grigòlo making his role debut as Chevalier des Grieux. The conductor was Antonio Pappano and the stage director was Laurent Pelly.

It was the first time that Anna Netrebko and the young and promising italian tenor Vittorio Grigòlo, replacing the initially scheduled Rolando Villazón, were together on the stage.

Seven performances of Manon are scheduled at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, running from 22. June till 10. July 2010.

According to the information we have collected in our Anna Netrebko Performances Database, Anna Netrebko made her debut singing the title role of Massenet's "Manon" in Los Angeles on 30. September 2006 partnered by Rolando Villazón as Chevalier Des Grieux. Vincent Paterson was the stage director and Plácido Domingo the conductor.

After those performances in Los Angeles, Anna Netrebko has been singing "Manon" at the Wiener Staatsoper, Wien in 2007, partnered by Roberto Alagna, at the Staatsoper unter den Linden, Berlin in 2007, partnered by Rolando Villazón and Fernando Portari, at the Wiener Staatsoper, Wien in 2008, partnered by Massimo Giordano and at the Wiener Staatsoper, Wien in 2010, partnered by Roberto Alagna.

Anna Netrebko will sing again the title role of "Manon" with the Royal Opera in September 2010, partnered by Matthew Polenzani, taking part of the Royal Opera Tour to Japan. .

Manon

Opéra comique in five acts

Music by Jules Massenet

Libretto by Henri Milhac and Philippe Gille

After the novel L'Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by

Abbé Antoine-François Prévost

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London

Tuesday 22. June 2010 6:30 PM

PRODUCTION

Director: Laurent Pelly

Designer: Chantal Thomas

Lighting Designer: Joël Adam

Choreographer: Lionel Hoche

CAST

Manon: Anna Netrebko

Chevalier des Grieux: Vittorio Grigolo

Lescaut: Russell Braun

Comte des Grieux: Christof Fischesser

Guillot de Morfontaine: Christophe Mortagne

Brétigny: William Shimell

Poussette: Simona Mihai

Javotte: Louise Innes

Rosette: Kai Rüütel

Innkeeper: Lynton Black

Conductor: Antonio Pappano

Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Background

Introduction, Synopsis and Characters

Radio Broadcasts

BBC Radio 3 will broadcast one of the current performances of Manon on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Press Reviews

Here they are some extracts coming from the press reviews:

"Netrebko rises to this particular challenge with an unbeatable combination of scrupulous acting and immaculate vocalism."

George Hall, The Stage 23. June 2010

"The Russian soprano certainly lives up to expectations; big and secure vocally, she dazzles in a performance that sees her revelling in the journey from a credible 16 year old to sweet lover and then seasoned mistress relishing a new-found life of wealth and male adoration."

Simon Thomas, What's on Stage 23. June 2010

"Netrebko’s Manon has them in the palm of her hand, her control underlined by her formidable vocal delivery, complete with stratospheric E flat."

Barry Millington, The Evening Standard 23. June 2010

"She sang strongly, the voice fuller and darker than ever before, looking gorgeous in a succession of lush Belle Époque frocks and a chestnut wig."

Intermezzo 23. June 2010

Press Reviews Links

[1] Anna Netrebko summa en Londres un triunfo más como "Manon", de Massenet - EFE jr/is, ABC 23. June 2010

[2] Manon - By George Hall, The Stage 23. June 2010

[3] Manon, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, June 2010 - By Mark Ronan, Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews 23. June 2010

[4] Manon - By Simon Thomas, What's on Stage 23. June 2010

[5] Manon provides inspirational times in high society - By Barry Millington, The Evening Standard 23. June 2010

[6] Massenet Manon, Royal Opera House, London - By Edward Seckerson, The Independent 23. June 2010

[7] Jules Massenet's Manon: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden - By William Hartston, The Express 23. June 2010

[8] Manon at the Royal Opera House - By Intermezzo 23. June 2010

[9] Manon, ROH - By GTL Torn T 24. June 2010

[10] Manon, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, review - By Rupert Christiansen, Telegraph 24. June 2010

Photos

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 22. June 2010. Photo: Verónica

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 22. June 2010. Photo: Verónica

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 22. June 2010. Photo: Verónica

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 22. June 2010. Photo: Verónica

Anna Netrebko will sing Rossini's Stabat Mater in Wien in 2011

Anna Netrebko will sing Gioacchino Rossini's Stabat Mater at the Grosser Saal of the Wiener Konzerthaus, Wien on 18. January 2011.

Stabat Mater by Gioacchino Rossini, Grosser Saal, Wiener Konzerthaus, Wien 18. Jan 2011 – Anna Netrebko (Soprano), Ruxandra Donose (Mezzo-soprano), John Relyea (Bass-baritone), Colin Lee (Tenor); Wiener KammerOrchester, Karel Mark Chichon