Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)
Les Contes d'Hoffmann, opéra en 4 actes

Benjamin Bernheim, ténor (Hoffmann)
Kathryn Lewek, soprano (Stella/Olympia/Antonia/Giulietta)
Christian Van Horn, baryton-basse (Lindorf/Coppélius/Dr. Miracle/Dapertutto)
Kate Lindsey, mezzo-soprano (La Muse/Nicklaus)
Marc Mauillon, baryton (Andrès/Cochenille/Frantz/Pitichinaccio)
Géraldine Chauvet, mezzo-soprano (La mère)
Michael Laurenz, ténor (Spalanzani)
Jérôme Varnier, basse (Crespel/Luther)
Philippe-Nicolas Martin, baryton (Hermann/Peter Schlémil)
Paco Garcia, ténor (Nathanaël)
Yevheniy Kapitula, baryton (Wilhelm)
Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Alan Woodbridge, direction
Wiener Philharmoniker
Marc Minkowski, direction
Mariame Clément, mise en scène

Offenbach goes Hollywood: Mariame Clément’s production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann transforms ist titular character into a storyteller of a different kind. The different acts, which are based on short stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann, take the audience on a journey through the world of cinema, from a 70s sci-fi flick over a costume drama to a feverish experimental sequence. The three love interests Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta are portrayed by American soprano Kathryn Lewek, who “impresses with brilliantly assertive coloratura, melting cantilenas and pulsating drama” (Drehpunktkultur). At the centre of this tragic tale of unrequited love is Hoffmann himself, stepping into the role of a script writer and film director in this production. The incredibly charismatic Benjamin Bernheim “splendidly cele brates the invasive tragedy of his character. Sound, expression and presence could not be better combined” (Der Standard). Kate Lindsey, who portrays the muse disguised as Hoffmann’s friend Niklausse is a joy to watch and listen to as she “absorbs Clément's energy of ideas and gilds her vocal tour de force with scenic exuberance” (Der Standard). An opera evening that spans the emotional spectrum from hilarious comedy to deeply felt heartbreak.