I'm always thrilled to return to Opera Santa Barbara. The company has been a center of growth for me and gave me some of my very first professional opportunities. This time it will be a reunion of many sorts, seeing I'll have the pleasure of working with both Kostis Protopapas and Kristine McIntyre. I last collaborated with them when I was an apprentice in Des Moines and knowing both of their abilities this Manon is certain to be wonderful. 

The role of the Count is one of the most beautiful cameo roles in opera along with Prince Gremin and Rosenkavalier's Italian Singer. I'll have the chance to sing a truly beautiful aria that I've known for many years in the context of the grandeur that is Manon's world. 

Below is a recording of this beautiful moment sung by the great Belgian Bass-Baritone, Jose van Dam

MANON Opéra-comique en 5 actes et 6 tableaux Composer: Jules Massenet (1842-1912) Librettist: Henri Meilhac & Philippe Gille, after the Abbé Prévost's 'L'histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut' (1731) First performance : Opera-Comique, Paris, 19 January 1884 SETTING : Amiens, Paris & on the road to Le Havre, 1721 PLOT : Manon, whom her cousin Lescaut is taking to the convent, meets at a post relay in Amiens the young Chevalier des Grieux, who takes her instead to Paris.