On Saturday, Nov. 18, Opera Memphis kicks-off their 45th season at the Orpheum Theater with Puccini's Manon Lescaut. The production stars Kallen Esperian, Adam Klein, Ryan Allen, Dominic Inferrera and Randall Rushing. It's led by General/Artistic Director Michael Ching.
Puccini's 3rd opera, Manon Lescaut (1893) is the story of a stunningly precocious young lady who is torn between her love of the dashing Des Griuex and the wealth and opulence of the elderly Geronte. Not often performed, Manon Lescaut is a cuirous and insightful look into Puccini's future masterpieces, La Boheme, Madame Butterfly and Tosca, and offers many brilliant moments of its own not seen in those later pieces.
The opera's central character, Manon Lescaut, is performed by Memphis's own Kallen Esperian. One of opera's most acclaimed lyricsopranos, Esperian has appeared in many of the major opera houses around the world, including the Met, La Scala and most recently, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Germany. Esperian is also one of the "The Three Sopranos" who have successfully toured across the country and around the world.
Many consider working with an artist of Esperian's caliber (as well as the rest of the principal roles) a dream come true.
For some University of Memphis students, this dream has come true.
"This is my first professional experience and it's really encouraging to work with my fellow students and my voice teacher (Randal Rushing)," said Chesney McKinley, a new graduate student at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. "The principal singers have been more than generous with their time and I've learned a lot from Maestro Ching."
McKinley will be starring as Belinda in the upcoming U of M production of Dido & Aeneas on Dec. 1 and 2.
"It's great to work with singers who have been in the business for a while and to get to know them," said Brian Herrin, who stars as the Lamp Lighter. Herrin, a graduate voice student, will graduate this December and will be performing the role of Tamino in Mozart's Magic Flute with Des Moine Metro Opera in 2001.
Alonzo Murphy-Johnson, a senior in the communications department, stars as the Captain as well as U of M's Cindy Wilson, Seth McMillan and Angela Spencer, who perform multiple roles as students, gentlemen, holy men (and women) and fallen women. Graduates Amy Wilson and Michael Williams are also in the cast.
Associate professor of voice Randal Rushing also stars as Edmondo, the best friend of Des Griuex, and said to work with his students has also been rewarding.
"To be in a non-academic setting with my students and other U of M voice students, working towards the same goal of a great, overall performance is both satisfying and gratifying. I've really seen a lot of improvement and growth," Rushing said.
A second performance of Manon Lescaut is scheduled for Nov. 22. Both performances are at 8 p.m. and tickets are still available at the Opera Memphis Box Office.
