MET Opera: Les Contes D’Hoffmann – Live on screen

This is Offenbach’s last and greatest work a fantastical opera, starring French tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of the tormented poet. Joining Bernheim is American soprano Erin Morley as Olympia, South African soprano Pretty Yende as Antonia, and French mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine as Giulietta to complete Hoffmann’s trio of lovers.

Marco Armiliato conducts Bartlett Sher’s evocative production, which also features American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as the Four Villains and Russian mezzo-soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya in her company debut as Nicklausse. It’s an intoxicating mix of emotion and dazzling music, including the famous, fiendishly difficult Doll Song.