Starring a world-class cast, Puccini’s first triumph Manon Lescaut returns to the iconic Covent Garden stage for the first time in 30 years in a brand new production and is broadcast live into Mwldan on June 24 at 6.45pm.

Latvian soprano Krist?ne Opolais sings the role of the hedonistic and impressionable Manon Lescaut. She was critically acclaimed as Madama Butterfly in 2011 in her Royal Opera debut and her interpretation of this very different Puccini heroine will be equally powerful. German tenor Jonas Kaufmann adds another new role to his repertory at Covent Garden singing her devoted lover Des Grieux, while British baritone Christopher Maltman sings the role of her roguish and cynical brother Lescaut.

Puccini’s Manon Lescaut is an absorbing and powerful retelling of Prevost’ famous novel and it made the young composer’s name. This striking new production, led by director Jonathan Kent, is from the same creative team behind The Royal Opera’s highly acclaimed and popular Tosca.

Kent’s striking interpretation of this drama of a young girl who faces temptation in the big city will resonate with many of today’s audiences, and illustrate that Manon’s story is still relevant in our own times.

Puccini’s sumptuous, richly-coloured score is characterised by youthful vitality and filled with glorious melodies. The score includes some of Puccini’s most memorable arias, including Des Grieux’s ardent ‘Donna non vidi mai’ and Manon’s nostalgic ‘In quelle trine morbide’. Royal Opera House Music Director Antonio Pappano continues his exploration of Italian repertory at Covent Garden, conducting Manon Lescaut for the first time for The Royal Opera.

Tickets are £16 (£15 concessions) and can be booked by calling 01239 621200 or online at www.mwldan.co.uk. Smartphone users can book by visiting mwldan.ticketsolve.com/mobile.