Offenbach: Les Contes D'hoffmann

Vittorio Grigolo (Hoffmann), Kate Lindsey (Nicklausse/Muse), Christine Rice (Giulietta), Sonya Yoncheva (Antonia), Sofia Fomina (Olympia), Thomas Hampson (Coppélius/Dapertutto/Lindorf/Miracle) & Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Royal Opera Chorus, Evelino Pidò

Final revival of this well-loved production by John Schlesinger provides the perfect vehicle for Vittorio Grigòlo as Hoffmann to display his wonderful voice and masterful acting, surrounded by exemplary supporting cast, including Sonya Yoncheva in the role of Antonia, and Thomas Hampson as Hoffmann’s arch rivals.

The production at the Royal Opera House (November 2016) garnered very good reviews especially for Vittorio Grigòlo.

One of the most successful and longest-lasting operas by master of French style Jacques Offenbach. Full of hits including: “Oh dieu, de quelle ivresse”, the incredibly famous barcarolle “Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour” and the “Kleinzach” ballade.

QUOTES:
"But what pleasure the show has given over the decades, and what a marvellous frame it has provided for a succession of memorable tenors in the title-role from Placido Domingo to Alfredo Kraus and Rolando Villazon. To that line the name of Vittorio Grigòlo can now be added. He acts with terrific
fervour as both the drunken wreck of the exordia and the ingenuous patsy of the central episodes, making the conflicted character deeply sympathetic ( ), he tossed off the Kleinzach ballad with witty élan and rose expansively to the ardour of Oh dieu, de quelle ivresse and the duet with Antonia (...) his is a rare vocal talent matched to a star personality."
THE TELEGRAPH

"It is a luxury to have fast-rising soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Antonia, (…) a role for which Yoncheva has voice and charisma to spare. When she and Grigòlo are going at full throttle, the performance soars."
FINANCIAL TIMES

"Sonya Yoncheva, often at her best in French music, makes a heartbreaking Antonia."
THE GUARDIAN