Opéra Fantastique in five acts
Johannes Erath’s critically-acclaimed direction maintains constant action onstage, while still giving space to Jacques Offenbach’s entrancingly beautiful music. True to its name, the eventful opera is based on the stories of poet E. T. A. Hoffmann.
Recommended for children over the age of 12.
The Tales of Hoffmann is a production of the highly renowned Semperoper Dresden.
Libretto by Jules Barbier, based on the play by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré. Edited by Michael Kaye and Jean-Christophe Keck.
The Tales of Hoffmann is a fabulous festival of arias with world class soloists, including the sopranos Helena Juntunen, Jenny Carlstedt and Measha Brueggergosman. The production will also be a prime opportunity to experience the impressive power of the Chorus of the FNO.
”This production is both-and, it has so many layers. The stories overlap, divide, interlock and break apart again. In our direction, we’ve tried to stay true to Hoffmann’s kaleidoscopic storytelling style. There is no continuity in life. We’d love there to be, but reality bites every time.”
– Director Johannes Erath
The poet Hoffmann details the great loves of his life. First he is in love with Olympia who is perfect – apart from the fact that she’s in fact a mechanical doll. Then we meet the sick Antonia who will die if she sings, and yet she bursts into song. Finally, we’re introduced to the Venetian courtesan Giulietta to the tune of the famous barcarolle.
You can read the complete synopsis in the programme leaflet.
Music
Jacques Offenbach
Conductor
Director
Johannes Erath
Sets
Heike Scheele
Costumes
Gesine Völlm
Lighting design
Fabio Antoci
Video design
Alexander Scherpink
Hoffmann
Hoffmann
Muse
Olympia
Antonia
Giulietta
Lindorf / coppelius / dapertutto / miracle
Andreas/ cochenille/ pitichinaccio/ frantz
Spalanzani
Schlemihl/ hermann
Crespel/ luther
Mother's voice
Nathanael
Wilhelm
Please note that seats in the lowest price category on the sides of the 2nd and 3rd balconies have a restricted view of the stage.
Performances on 19 Oct, 25 Oct, 27 Oct, 14 Nov, 16 Nov and 20 Nov are included in the season ticket. Individual tickets will go on sale on 12 June 2018.
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