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A TALE OF LOVE, DEATH AND INTRIGUE
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Mid Wales Opera’s new production of Offenbach’s magical The Tales of Hoffmann promises to be one of the most fascinating musical events of the year in the region and presents a rare opportunity for Pembrokeshire audiences to see and hear one of the world’s most popular operatic masterpieces when it performs at the Torch Theatre later this month [24 September].
One of the most successful and influential romantic nineteenth century authors, known worldwide for his supernatural short stories, Offenbach placed Hoffman as the central figure in the opera. The three colourful Tales tell the stories of the three beautiful ladies whom he loved and lost: a mechanical doll, an opera-singer forbidden to sing again on pain of death, and a bewitching courtesan who attracts her male victims by stealing their reflections.
As the composer of the “Can-Can”, Orpheus in the Underworld, La Vie Parisienne, and numerous other delightful operettas, Offenbach’s melodic genius and dramatic flair shine through in this, his most serious opera. A constant flow of enchanting arias and ensembles include the celebrated “Barcarolle”, “Doll’s Song” and “Diamond Aria”, while the brilliant orchestral accompaniment dances along beneath.
Once again Mid Wales Opera has chosen a cast with a suitable blend of youth and experience, all regular performers with the UK’s leading opera companies, directed by Tim Hopkins and designed by Anthony Baker who have both worked regularly with the major opera houses of Britain and throughout the world. With its fantastical story line, and a wide range of colourful and frequently supernatural characters, The Tales of Hoffman is a director’s dream and Tim Hopkins will be making full use of Anthony Baker’s period costumes to colour the different tableaux giving each of the Tales their own distinctive character.
Mid Wales Opera has a nation-wide reputation for productions which are ambitious and original, but certainly never boring. With its melodic and scenic magic The Tales of Hoffmann contains all the ingredients for an enchanting and entertaining evening and can be seen at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre on Wednesday 24 September at 7.30pm. Tickets may reserved by calling their Box Office on 01646 695267 or by visiting their website at www.torchtheatre.co.uk.
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Torch Theatre
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008 |
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