Opera Preview: Les Contes d’Hoffmann

Blue Hill, Maine - The Bagaduce Music Lending Library and Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library will present a preview of Jacques Offenbach’s opera Les Contes d’Hoffmann at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 30th, at the Blue Hill Public Library. A live performance of the opera will be simulcast at the Grand in Ellsworth the following day, Saturday, January 31st, from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.


According to the Met website, "Vittorio Grigolo is the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title in the MET’s kaleidoscopic production. Hibla Gerzmava faces the operatic hurdle of singing all three heroines—each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann’s desire. Thomas Hampson sings the shadowy Four Villains, and Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score."


Local opera enthusiasts Linda Lesko and David Porter will summarize the plot, introduce the music and offer some ideas of special ways to enjoy the Saturday simulcast. All are welcome, no previous opera knowledge is needed, and admission is free. For more information, call the Library at 374-5515.