Les Contes D’Hoffmann from The Met In HD

Hosted by soprano Deborah Voigt, the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Jacques Offenbach’s opéra fantastique Les contes d’Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffman) screens nationally from April 11, 2015.

Starring the Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffmann, the tortured poet,  the production is directed by Broadway director Bartlett Sher. Thomas Hampson will add a new role to his extensive repertory as the Four Villains who interfere with Hoffmann’s courtship of four women: the mechanical doll Olympia, sung by American soprano Erin Morley in her role debut; the consumptive artist Antonia and the self-absorbed diva Stella, both portrayed by Russian soprano Hibla Gerzmava; and the Venetian courtesan Giulietta, sung by English mezzo-soprano Christine Rice. American mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey will reprise the role of Nicklausse, Hoffmann’s faithful muse, and Canadian conductor Yves Abel leads the exciting cast.

The movie contains special intermission content:  

-Deborah Voigt interviews tenor Vittorio Grigolo;

-an interview with the Tony Award-winning director of Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Bartlett Sher;

– an explanation of the colorful Olympia scene by the head of the scenic department Doug Lebrecht and props master James Blumenfeld;

– a preview of the next captured live in HD in the series, Iolanta/Bluebeard’s Castle, including an interview with soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Piotr Beczala.

The reviews of Les Contes d’Hoffmann from the US:

Vittorio Grigolo “exudes winning impetuosity, intelligence and exuberance” as the poet and adventurer in Broadway director Bartlett Sher’s production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann. (Financial Times).

Erin Morley is “a remarkable Olympia, bringing rounded tone, dynamic variety and dramatic flair” to the role; Hibla Gerzmava as Antonia “with a soprano that was soft-grained yet penetrating…The elegant mezzo Kate Lindsey [portrays] Hoffmann’s friend Nicklausse, her voice silvery with a hint of cream.” Thomas Hampson sings the Four Villains and conductor Yves Abel “led a graceful, agile orchestral performance.” (New York Times).

Running time: Approx 3 hours, 45 minutes including intermission

NSW Dendy Opera Quays – Sydney/ Dendy Newtown/ Cremorne Orpheum /Chauvel Cinemas – Paddington/ Event Cinemas Castle Hill/ Greater Union Newcastle/ Scotty’s Cinema Centre – Raymond Terrace/ Cinemax – Kingscliff/ Avoca Beach Picture Theatre/BCC Cinemas Coffs Harbour/
Majestic Cinemas Port Macquarie/Majestic Cinemas Nambucca Heads/Odeon 5 Cinemas – Orange/Forum 6 Cinemas – Tamworth/Forum 6 Cinemas – Wagga Wagga/Mt VicFlicks.

Check individual cinemas for screening times and dates.