This month, The School of Music will present Jacques Offenbach’s Les contes d’Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) for opera lovers. The opera, sung in French with Chinese and English surtitles, will be conducted by Eitan Globerson and directed by Tang Shu-wing.

 

The great German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann is the inspiration for this opera. His narrative style seamlessly interweaves fantasy and the real world. Offenbach transforms the writer’s unbound creativity into the eclectic score, juxtaposing lyricism and burlesque.

 

In the opera, the poet Hoffmann unveiled his three tales of unfulfilled love: his fascination for the mechanical doll Olympia, who was destroyed by the inventor Coppélius; his love for the courtesan Giulietta who preferred the jewels from the magician Dappertutto; and his passion for the doleful Antonia who was forced to sing to her death by Doctor Miracle. After telling these tales of pathos from his past life, Hoffmann received yet another blow when he witnessed his latest love, Stella, eloped with the Councillor Lindorf. This final disappointment put out all desire and prospect for love in the drunken Hoffmann. The Muse, Goddess of the Arts compelled Hoffmann to write poems for the rest of his life.

 

Returning to direct for the Academy after eight years, Director Tang Shu-wing adds layers of meanings to the opera by examining the past, the present and the future. “The last time I directed for the Academy was eight years ago. The memory of that experience still excities me. I wish the students will learn much from our work together,” Tang said.

 

Les contes d’Hoffmann Opera sung in French with Chinese and English surtitles This production is suitable for audience aged 6 or above

Conductor: Eitan Globerson Director: Tang Shu-wing

Date: 20, 22 & 24.3.2018 | 7:30pm

Venue: Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Ticket Price: $65-$150

Tickets are now available from Hong Kong Ticketing’s box offices and online at www.hkticketing.com or by calling booking hotline at 31 288 288. Hong Kong Ticketing will charge customer service fee payable upon purchase of tickets. This customer service fee is additional to the face value of the ticket.

 

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About The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)

 

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, established by Government Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in performing arts in Asia. It provides professional and practice-based diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning.