John Malveaux: 'Soprano Michelle Johnson debuts with Opera Company of Philadelphia'

[Soprano Michelle Johnson]

Manon Lescaut

Giacomo Puccini

The master composer who brought you La bohème, Turandot and Madama Butterfly crafts yet another soulful tale of boundless love.

Manon Lescaut is a beautiful young girl about to be sent to a convent when Des Grieux first lays eyes on her. Though the flame of passion between them is ignited, Manon’s life follows a winding path, seduced by riches that ultimately trigger her downfall – but ultimately finding redemption in Des Grieux’s love for her. Puccini’s gorgeous, swelling melodies permeate the opera, from Manon’s poignant arias to the lush orchestral score.


Making her much-anticipated OCP debut in the title role is dazzling soprano Michelle Johnson, whom Philadelphia audiences grew to know as an Academy of Vocal Arts resident artist prior to her thrilling 2011 Metropolitan Opera National Council win.  Tenor Thiago Arancam, who starred as Cavaradossi in the 2011 OCP production of Tosca, returns as Manon’s true love, Des Grieux, with OCP favorite baritones Troy Cook as Lescaut and Daniel Mobbs as Geronte. Maestro Rovaris leads the Opera Company Orchestra in a striking, stylized production directed by Michael Cavanagh and featuring lush, period costumes.