Sounds of Learning

Stop the Presses! Emerging Artist Steps into Lead Role Michelle Johnson , a 4th year resident artist at Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts , will sing the title role of the Opera Company of Philadelphia ’s production of Manon Lescaut replacing the previously announced soprano, who is indisposed.Link This is one of those rare opportunities that students dream about: to step into the spotlight and sing the lead at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music . Plan to attend and experience the excitement as she makes her first entrance on stage! Michelle was born in Pearland, Texas (a suburb of Houston). Her biography is full of honors. Last year she was the Grand Prize Winner at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She also won First Place at the Marian Anderson Historical Scholars’ Competition—right here in Philadelphia. In years to come, remember the name Michelle Johnson. Some day, you’ll be able to say, “I was at the Academy of Music in April 2012 and I remember when she had...

She dies in his arms—while singing, of course! Talk about drama and anguish! The student Des Grieux sees a beautiful young country maiden (Manon) on her way to a convent against her will (sent there by her father). In the matter of minutes Des Grieux and Manon see one another, sing, and fall deeply in love. Deeply! Before they can do anything about it, an old man also sees her stunning beauty—and plans to abduct her. The student tricks the old man and the young lovers run off to Paris before the abduction can occur. Manon likes Paris and soon finds that her young boyfriend can’t give her all the clothes and jewels she wants, so she leaves him for the old man and his money. Then she tires of him and returns to the young dude, only to be tricked by the old man and tossed in prison. Her punishment: banished to Louisiana (in the USA). The lover joins her on the boat and in Louisiana they take a wrong turn and cross a desert. The boyfriend goes to look for water. Manon’s body is wasted fr...