Massenet's opera in five acts, based on the novel by Abbe Prevost, in David McVicar's new production for English National Opera at the London Coliseum. Sung in the English translation by Edmund Tracey.
English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Paul Daniel
Acts 1 and 2
8.00 Prevost's Manon Lescaut
Naomi Segal explores one of literature's great femmes fatales, the inspiration for Massenet's opera.
8.20 Act 3
9.15 The James Naughtie Interview
James Naughtie talks to English National Opera's music director Paul Daniel and to general director designate Nicholas Payne about the company's current and future direction in the light of Sir Richard Eyre's new report on opera provision in London.
9.35 Acts 4 and 5