Massenet's Manon at the Met Opera (Live in HD performance) event image

Photo: David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Massenet's Manon at the Met Opera (Live in HD performance)

In 25 weeks

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Official site

Massenet's Manon returns to the Metropolitan Opera, with the matinee transmitted worldwide in the Live in HD series.

Manon is French grand opera at its most seductive — a rags-to-riches-to-ruin story with some of Massenet's best arias — and the Met's production is a lush period staging. The HD matinee guarantees the A-cast in peak form. It is a long afternoon, but an easy one for first-time opera-goers thanks to a straightforward story and gorgeous tunes.

What to expect

Sung in French with Met Titles; roughly four hours with intermissions, starting at noon. HD days mean cameras in the house and a full, dressy crowd.

Good to know

  • The noon start is earlier than usual — plan lunch accordingly
  • Other dates in the run are easier tickets than the HD matinee
  • Day-of rush tickets are released online
  • Metropolitan Opera House — 1 train to 66th St
  • The cinema transmission is sold separately at local theaters

Going? Keep it.

Common questions

How long is Manon?

About four hours including two intermissions.

Is it good for a first opera?

Yes — a clear love story, big melodies and a spectacular production.