14 Sep 2010

Les Contes '’Hoffmann Returns To The Met Thru 10/19

http://opera.broadwayworld.com/article/Les_Contes_Hoffmann_Returns_To_The_Met_Thru_1019_20100914

By BWW News Desk [BroadwayWorld.com, 14 September 2010]

Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann ("The Tales of Hoffmann") returns to the Met stage in last season's acclaimed production directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, with Giuseppe Filianoti singing the title role for the first time at the Met. Ildar Abdrazakov, who sang the title role in last season's Met premiere of Verdi's Attila, makes his career role debut as the four villains. In the roles of Hoffmann's loves, three artists make their Met debuts: Hibla Gerzmava as both Antonia and Stella; Enkelejda Shkosa as Giulietta, and Elena Mosuc as Olympia (October 6 performance). Anna Christy sings the role of Olympia for the first time at the Met in the premiere cast, and Kate Lindsey reprises her admired portrayal of Nicklausse/The Muse, which she performed last season. French conductor Patrick Fournillier makes his Met debut leading the performances. Set designs are by Michael Yeargan and costume designs by Catherine Zuber, both Tony Award-winners who collaborated with Sher on his Met production of IL Barbiere di Siviglia. Lighting is by James F. Ingalls, and the choreography is by Dou Dou Huang. Performances run through October 19.