Lisette Oropesa is preparing her first European production of ‘Manon’ at Les Arts.

• James Gaffigan conducts the highly sought-after soprano and tenor Charles Castronovo in the first operatic performance for both performers in Valencia.
• Les Arts presents Vincent Huguet's spectacular production for the Paris Opera inspired by France in the 'Roaring Twenties'

Valencia (21.09.24). American soprano Lisette Oropesa has begun rehearsals at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía for her European debut in the title role of Massenet's 'Manon'.

The highly sought-after diva, after her triumphant success at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, will inaugurate the opera season at the Main Hall of Les Arts with this role, one of the most dazzling and demanding roles for a lyric soprano.

Lisette Oropesa is considered one of the greatest stars on the current operatic scene. Acclaimed for her breathtaking performances, impeccable vocal technique, expressive musicality, and impressive stylistic and idiomatic command, the New Orleans soprano is a leading artist for major opera houses.

After her first visit to Les Arts with an acclaimed recital in 2022, Oropesa is preparing, under the musical direction of James Gaffigan, her presentation in Valencia as Manon, the charismatic, seductive and greedy young woman, whose rise and fall in her intense romance with the Chevalier des Grieux was immortalized by Jules Massenet in one of the most appreciated titles in the operatic repertoire.

Like the knight des Grieux, the American Charles Castronovo, a regular in the casts of New York, Vienna, London, Berlin and Salzburg, will make his debut at Les Arts, considered as one of the best lyric tenors of his generation.

Les Arts will present 'Manon' in the spectacular production with which renowned stage director Vincent Huguet debuted at the Paris Opera. The French artist transports the action to the Roaring Twenties in Paris, in a meticulously crafted production brimming with references to the era, its painting, architecture, Art Deco style, cabaret, jazz, and the Charleston.

Les Arts will premiere Massenet's 'Manon' on October 3, with four other performances scheduled for the 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th of that same month.