‘Manon’ in Zurich
News: Aug 15 2025
‘Manon’ in Zurich
News: Aug 15 2025
Returning to the Opernhaus Zürich this September, Nicolas Testé will portray Le Comte des Grieux in Manon, the opera that turned Jules Massenet into an overnight success of the Belle Époque. He’s joined by a star-studded cast including Lisette Oropesa in the title role, Benjamin Bernheim as the Chevalier des Grieux and Yannick Debus as Lescaut. Sesto Quatrini conducts the performances from September 24 until October 10.
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‘Roméo et Juliette’ at Staatsoper Berlin
News & Press: May 10 2025
Nicolas Testé returns to the role of Frère Laurent in Gounod’s lush and romantic Roméo et Juliette on May 24 and 27 and June 21 at Staatsoper Berlin. Testé’s portrayal of the sympathetic friar has been seen on some of the world’s greatest stages, including Opernhaus Zürich, Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, Teatro alla Scala, and Washington National Opera, where his interpretation was praised as “magnificent” by The Washington Post.
Directed by Mariame Clément, this production focuses on the youth of the title characters, presenting them as a contemporary young couple who find each other against all odds. Led by conductor Stefano Montanari, Testé joins a fantastic cast, including Elsa Dreisig as Juliette, Amital Pati as Roméo, Jaka Mihelač as Mercutio, Johan Krogius as Tybalt, Ema Nikolovska as Stéphano, and Arttu Kataja as Capulet.
Des Grieux at Opernhaus Zürich
News & Press: Sep 26 2025 | Opera Diary
In the role of the Comte des Grieux, Nicolas Testé was both dignified and emotionally restrained, a perfect embodiment of aristocratic authority. Yet in his duets with Manon and his son, moments of vulnerability and sorrow broke through his controlled exterior, adding unexpected emotional resonance. His presence gave weight to the generational and moral conflicts at the heart of the opera.
“Nicolas Testé, as the Count des Grieux, the father of Manon’s lover, possessed a smooth and well-projected bass, his interpretation conveying the requisite gravitas.”
“In the role of the Comte des Grieux, Nicolas Testé was both dignified and emotionally restrained, a perfect embodiment of aristocratic authority. Yet in his duets with Manon and his son, moments of vulnerability and sorrow broke through his controlled exterior, adding unexpected emotional resonance. His presence gave weight to the generational and moral conflicts at the heart of the opera.”
“Nicolas Testé als Le Comte des Grieux, der Vater des jungen Chevalier, überzeugte mit edlem Bass-Bariton und eleganter Erscheinung.”
“Nicolas Testé gibt mit würdevollem Bass-Bariton einen im genau richtigen Masse autoritären Comte des Grieux.”
“Nicolas Testé zeichnet ihn mit eleganter Autorität.”
“Nicolas Testé brindó la autoridad rotunda que exige el Conde Des Grieux.”