Manon Lescaut, Staatsoper Hamburg 2018

 

“It was a sensational house debut as Manon Lescaut for Maria José Siri. The young soprano from Uruguay was able to personify all four aspects of the role: in the first act, she went coquettishly about the inn, flirting left and right. In Act II, Manon is exposed to a great love, but she ultimately loses it because she cannot part with her treasures, clothes and other “valuables.” The third act again shows the rebellious side of her character, as she refuses to be stopped by her fate of impending deportation. In the fourth act, Manon shows her real love for Des Grieux in the face of death, and dies with the words: “My love for you will never end.” Maria José Siri was able to correspond exactly to these concepts in her singing: in the first act, the voice sounds light and filigreed, the high range radiant and bombproof; in the second act, she gives much more voice which not only fits with the plot, but also goes well with her big-voiced tenor partner. In the third act her voice sounds slightly darkened and hesitant, until the typical high notes win the upper hand again. The fourth act is pure Manon, and Maria José Siri brings every nuance of her long solo scene to the fore. Overall, a more than successful role debut, heartily acclaimed by the Hamburg audience. The Hamburg Intendant has hopefully listened carefully and made note.”
Rolf Brunckhorst, Der Neue Merker

"The author still has excellent memories of the Uruguayan soprano Maria José Siri jumping in as Aida at the same theatre. Also on this night she was a moving Manon, glowing from dramatic intensity."
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