The French Institute / Alliance Française To Present Screening Of ‘Les Contes d’Hoffman’

The French Institute / Alliance Française (FIAF) will present an HD screening of Robert Carson’s production of Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffman,” performed at the Paris Opera during the 2016/17 season. The screening, a co-presentation with American Friends of The Paris Opera & Ballet in celebration of the company’s 350th anniversary, will be introduced by conductor Joseph Colaneri. Starring Ramón Vargas, the {…}

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 {…}

Nov 16, 2017

New Orleans Opera 2017-18 Review – Orpheus in the Underworld: Laughs Aplenty in Offenbach’s Satire That Spares Nobody

It’s always a welcome sight when companies stage works that are underappreciated and lesser known. It’s also risky because such unfamiliarity can result in smaller audiences who would be more willing to come out for works that are more recognizable. With that in mind, it was admirable for New Orleans Opera to present Jacques Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld” last {…}

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 {…}

Jun 20, 2017

Offenbach The Cellist and Virtuoso In His Operatic ‘Concerto Militaire’

Offenbach is regarded as one of the greatest operetta composers of his generation and is also recognized for his masterwork “Les Contes D’Hoffman.” His vocal writing is beloved and singers love performing his work. However, for most, his orchestral work and solo work often gets overlooked. One such example is his cello concerto. Let’s not forget that this master composer {…}

May 19, 2017

New York Opera Fest 2017: Light Opera of New York (LOONY) To Showcase Offenbach Work

Light Opera of New York will showcase a rare Offenbach’s work this weekend as part of the New York Opera Fest. The opera in question, “The Island of Tulipatan,” will be presented on May 19, 2017 with a follow-up performance on the 20th in the matinee slot at 2:30 p.m. EDT. The opera will be directed by Gary Slavin with {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Diana Damrau & Vittorio Grigolo To Sign CDs At Los Angeles Opera

Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo are major favorites right now in the opera world, the two joining forces for a beloved run of “Roméo et Juliette” in New York this past winter before continuing their run of strong performances together in Los Angeles Opera’s production of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.” Now the duo will give fans more reasons to love them {…}

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