Offenbach goes Hollywood: Mariame Clément’s production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann transforms its titular character into a storyteller of a different kind. The different acts, which are based on short stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann, take the audience on a journey through the world of cinema, from a 70s sci-fi flick over a costume drama to a feverish experimental sequence. The three love interests Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta are portrayed by American soprano Kathryn Lewek, who “impresses with brilliantly assertive coloratura, melting cantilenas and pulsating drama” (Drehpunktkultur). At the centre of this tragic tale of unrequited love is Hoffmann himself, stepping into the role of a script writer and film director in this production. The incredibly charismatic Benjamin Bernheim “splendidly celebrates the invasive tragedy of his character. Sound, expression and presence could not be better combined” (Der Standard). Kate Lindsey, who portrays the muse disguised as Hoffmann’s friend Niklausse is a joy to watch and listen to as she “absorbs Clément's energy of ideas and gilds her vocal tour de force with scenic exuberance” (Der Standard). An opera evening that spans the emotional spectrum from hilarious comedy to deeply felt heartbreak.

“Pure slapstick” – Der Standard

“Benjamin Bernheim…is the Hoffmann of the hour” – Frankfurter Rundschau

“Kathryn Lewek’s Olympia was an immediate showstopper” – Salzburger Nachrichten

Cast:
- Hoffmann: Benjamin Bernheim
- Stella/Olympia/Antonia/Giulietta: Kathryn Lewek
- Lindorf/Coppélius/Dr Miracle/Dapertutto: Christian Van Horn
- The Muse/Nicklausse: Kate Lindsey
- Andrès/Cochenille/Frantz/Pitichinaccio: Marc Mauillon
- The Voice of the Mother: Géraldine Chauvet
- Spalanzani: Michael Laurenz
- Crespel/Master Luther: Jérôme Varnier
- Hermann/Peter Schlémil: Philipe-Nicolas Martin
- Nathanaël: Paco Garcia
- Wilhelm: Yevhniy Kapitula

Recording date: Salzburg Festival, Großes Festspielhaus, August 2024
Sound format: PCM Stereo, DTS-HD MA 5.1
Picture: 1080i, 16:9
Booklet: English, German, French
Subtitles: French (original language), English, German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese
Total running time: 182 mins