/Manon_Press_Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26 2012 MEDIA CONTACT Bonnie Hargrove, Director Center for the Arts 843.521-4145; bhargrov@uscb.edu

Anna Netrebko sings “Manon” in Massenet’s opera featured by The MET: Live in HD at USCB Center for the Arts on April 7 Super soprano Anna Netrebko will sing the title role in Jules Massenet’s “Manon” when The MET: live in HD brings Laurent Pelly’s new production to the stage on April 7.

With the intensity and dramatic freedom she brings to her roles, the Russian diva will portray the tragic heroine Manon, whose need for wealth and pleasure proves to be her downfall. Her lover, des Grieux, is played by Piotr Beczala, her brother, Lescaunt, by Paulo Szot, and the Comte des Grieux by David Pittsinger.

Netrebko’s on-stage magnetism and Manon’s sensuous melodies bring to life the drama and conflict of a young woman who, though bound for life in a convent, falls in love with a dashing young nobleman. But as much as she loves des Grieux, she has learned to love the life of luxury provided by numerous admirers more. Predictably, she comes to a bad end while regretting their lost happiness. Arguably Massenet’s best work, “Manon” is in five acts and takes place in 18th century France during the reign of Louis XV.

With the recent technology upgrades to USCB Center for the Arts, the larger screen and improved sound will provide an even greater sense of "you are there" to the 11 live performances from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House slated for the 2011-2012 season. Upcoming performances include: and La Traviata (Apr. 14). For additional information on the operas go to www.metopera.org/hdlive .

Ticket Sales By popular request, all seating is assigned. Adult/Senior $20; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Members $16; For additional information contact USCB Center for the Arts director, Bonnie Hargrove, at 843-521-4145, or hargrov@uscb./edu .

The Met: Live in HD series is made possible by a generous grant from its founding sponsor, The Neubauer Family Foundation; Global corporate sponsorship is provided by Bloomberg; The HD broadcasts are supported by Toll Brothers, America's luxury home builder.

ABOUT USCB The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) is a senior institution of the University of South Carolina system serving the southeast coast of Georgia and South Carolina. The University's two campuses, located on the waterfront in historic Beaufort, SC, and at the gateway to Hilton Head Island in Bluffton, SC, serve a diverse student body of 1,700. USCB offers students an exceptional place to learn and live in an environment focused on growth, preservation and opportunity. For more information about the University of South Carolina Beaufort and its arts programs, please visit www.uscb.edu or call the Office of Advancement at 843-208-8240.