Immerse Yourself in the Captivating World of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center

The Metropolitan Opera's award-winning series of live high-definition cinema simulcasts, The Met: Live in HD, is set to open its 18th season on Saturday, October 5th, with a live transmission of Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg, Maine. This captivating opera, starring acclaimed tenor Benjamin Bernheim, promises to transport audiences on a journey through the tormented dreams and desires of the poet Hoffmann.

Immerse Yourself in the Captivating World of Offenbach's Masterpiece

A Poetic Exploration of Love and Obsession

"Les Contes d'Hoffmann" is a captivating exploration of the human experience, delving into the depths of love, obsession, and the power of the imagination. The opera follows the story of Hoffmann, a tormented poet who recounts his three failed love affairs, each with a different woman – the mechanical doll Olympia, the sickly singer Antonia, and the courtesan Giulietta. Through these tales, the audience is taken on a journey that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, as Hoffmann's dreams and desires come to life on the stage.The opera's intricate plot and richly layered characters offer a multifaceted exploration of the human condition. Hoffmann's quest for love and fulfillment is juxtaposed with the darker themes of obsession, deception, and the fragility of the human spirit. The work's poetic and imaginative nature invites the audience to delve into the depths of their own emotions and experiences, creating a deeply personal and resonant connection with the story.

A Stellar Cast Brings the Opera to Life

The Met: Live in HD production of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" boasts a stellar cast, led by the acclaimed tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of Hoffmann. Bernheim's powerful and emotive performance is sure to captivate audiences, as he brings the tormented poet to life with nuance and depth.Joining Bernheim are sopranos Erin Morley and Pretty Yende, who portray the various love interests of Hoffmann, each with their own unique charm and complexity. Mezzo-soprano Clementine Margaine rounds out the cast, adding her rich and versatile vocals to the production.Under the baton of renowned conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus will bring Offenbach's lush and evocative score to life, transporting the audience into the dreamlike world of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann."

A Visually Stunning Production

The Met: Live in HD production of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" promises to be a visually stunning experience, with lavish sets and costumes that transport the audience to the opulent and fantastical world of the opera.The production's intricate and detailed sets, designed by Bartlett Sher, will immerse the audience in the various settings of the opera, from the opulent ballrooms of Paris to the shadowy underworld of Hoffmann's imagination. The costumes, designed by Catherine Zuber, will add to the production's opulent and visually striking aesthetic, further enhancing the audience's sense of immersion.The use of high-definition technology in the live cinema simulcast will allow audiences at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center to experience the production in stunning detail, bringing the opera's rich visuals and captivating performances to life on the big screen.

A Timeless Masterpiece for a New Generation

"Les Contes d'Hoffmann" is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations. Offenbach's opera, with its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and lush, evocative score, has long been considered a pinnacle of the French operatic tradition.The Met: Live in HD production of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" offers a unique opportunity for audiences in Fryeburg, Maine, and beyond, to experience this beloved work in a new and immersive way. The high-definition cinema simulcast allows for a level of detail and intimacy that is often lost in traditional opera house productions, inviting the audience to become fully immersed in the story and the emotions of the characters.By bringing this timeless masterpiece to the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, the Metropolitan Opera is not only preserving the legacy of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" but also introducing it to a new generation of opera enthusiasts. This captivating production promises to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it, sparking a renewed appreciation for the power and beauty of this enduring operatic classic.