Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), partnering with The Met: Live in HD, will present a simulcast of Jacques Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann Jan. 31 at 12:55 p.m. The broadcast will run approximately 3 hours 46 minutes with two intermissions. A complimentary lecture by Dr. James Caplinger from the University of Charleston will start at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children. For tickets, call the GVT Box Office at 304-645-3838.
Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffmann Les Contes d’Hoffmann, a poet whose attempts at romance are repeatedly thwarted, in a production 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.
“Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffmann “soars” with “high notes [that] are strong and clear… Erin Morley was a remarkable Olympia, bringing rounded tone, dynamic variety and dramatic flair” to the role. Hibla Gerzmava sang Antonia “with a soprano that was soft-grained yet penetrating… The elegant mezzo Kate Lindsey was Hoffmann’s friend Nicklausse, her voice silvery with a hint of cream…” Conductor Yves Abel “led a graceful, agile orchestral performance.”—The New York Times
Les Contes d’Hoffmann is Offenbach’s final opera. He died before the premiere, leaving posterity without an authorized version of the score.
See Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann Jan.31 at 12:55 p.m. The broadcast will run approximately 3 hours 46 minutes with two intermissions. A complimentary lecture by Dr. James Caplinger from the University of Charleston will start at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children. For tickets, call the GVT Box Office at 304-645-3838.
(Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Opera / Marty Sohl)
