Watch Live Stream of Dmitry Korchak’s Star Turn in ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ From Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera will showcase “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” as part of its live streaming service on Sept. 15, 2019. The performance will feature Dmitry Korchak, Luca Pisaroni, Olga Peretyatko, and Gaëlle Arquez. Frédéric Chaslin conducts a production by Andrei Serban. Of the opening performance, OperaWire’s review noted, “Overall this “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” was an enjoyable evening with a standout {…}

Sep 6, 2019

Wiener Staatsoper 2019-20 Review: Les Contes D’Hoffmann

(Credits: Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn) “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” is one of the touchstone French operas, especially for tenors. It features a role most tenors look to sing because of the acting possibilities and the rich music that Offenbach wrote. But it is also a challenging evening that requires stamina from its leading man, as well as a solid cast {…}

Feb 10, 2019

Opera Profile: Offenbach’s ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’

There are a number of operas in the standard repertory that were unfinished at the time of their respective composers’ death, but none is perhaps more famous that “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” by Jacques Offenbach. The work had its world premiere on Feb. 10, 1881 and by December it had already reached 100 performances. It has never had a difficult time {…}

Oct 20, 2018

Interview: Maestro Jorge Parodi On ‘Maria de Buenos Aires’ in NYC

When conductor Jorge Parodi was a young man growing up in Argentina, he often heard a melody played as an introduction to a television series. “I never imagined it was from an opera,” he told OperaWire in a recent interview. Everyone knew that the tango melody was by Piazzolla, but it never occurred to him that the tango melody might {…}

Jun 20, 2018

Composer Profile: Jacques Offenbach, The Supreme Comedian

Jacques Offenbach, born on June 20, 1819, had a pretty unique career. Some might consider him a renaissance man since he was a composer, cellist, and impresario. He was also a first-class jokester, whose pranks got him into a lot of trouble, but also defined his dramatic style. He was born in Cologne and learned music from a young age. {…}

Feb 19, 2018

3 Essential Recordings That Explore Vittorio Grigolo’s Art

Vittorio Grigolo is undeniably one of the finest artists of his generation. Born on Feb. 19, the tenor embodies what most would want from a leading man. Great looks. Tremendous acting dynamics. A powerfully resonant voice with both strength and tenderness. And most of all, he is highly unpredictable, meaning that every performance is quite an adventure. Grigolo’s artistry has {…}

Oct 19, 2017

Opera Meets Film: Context Shifts How We Hear ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ in Roberto Benigni’s ‘Life is Beautiful’

“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features Roberto Benigni’s “La {…}

Oct 7, 2017

No Small Parts – Mezzo Tara Erraught on Her Met Debut, Keys to Vocal Success

“To see the elephants. The lights. The action. I was sold. I didn’t understand why I had to go to school because I knew what I wanted right away. I thought it was the most amazing magical night ever.” That was mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught’s description of her first ever experience at the Arena di Verona as a 13-year-old. The Dundalk, {…}

Sep 29, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Les Contes d’Hoffmann: Vittorio Grigolo Leads a Hilariously Entertaining Evening

Will Bartlett Sher’s production of Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” become one of the Metropolitan Opera’s more beloved productions now that eight seasons have passed since it debuted? It is hard to say considering that the final work of Hoffmann remains a mystery that was completed after his death. To recap, the Cologne-born Offenbach died before he completed the score for {…}

Sep 21, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Preview: Looking Back at All 6 ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ Productions

“Les Contes d’Hoffmann,” or “The Tales of Hoffmann,” has always been a Metropolitan Opera favorite, receiving performances in every single decade since it 1913 debut at the big house. The opera returns this season, opening on Sept. 26 for nine performances featuring star tenor Vittorio Grigolo in the lead role and one which he has performed previously at the house {…}

May 30, 2017

Sonya Yoncheva And Vittorio Grigolo Star In New Sony Classical Release

Sony Classical will be releasing the Royal Opera House’s “Les Contes D’Hoffmann.” The production stars Vittorio Grigolo in the title role as well as Sonya Yoncheva as Antonia. Kate Lindsey, Thomas Hampson, Christine Rice, and Sofia Fomina also star in the production, which was conducted by Evelino Pido. When the production opened last fall, critics were ecstatic and said, “Vittorio Grigolo {…}

les contes d'hoffmann