Irish National Opera's futuristic Hoffmann

By Pia Maltri, 16 September 2018

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Reviewed at O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin on 14 September 2018

Offenbach, Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann)

Irish National Opera

Andrew Synnott, Conductor

Tom Creed, Director

Katie Davenport, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Julian Hubbard, Hoffmann

Claudia Boyle, Olympia, Antonia, Giulietta, Stella

Gemma Ní Bhriain, Nicklausse

John Molloy, Lindorf, Coppélius, Miracle, Dapertutto

Andrew Gavin, Andrès, Cochenille, Frantz, Pitichinaccio

Brendan Collins, Crespel

Cormac Lawlor, Hermann

Robert McAllister, Luther

Peter O'Reilly, Nathanaël

Kevin Neville, Peter Schlémil

Fearghal Curtis, Spalanzani

Carolyn Holt, Voice of Antonia's Mother

Irish National Opera Chorus

Irish National Opera Orchestra

Sinead McKenna, Lighting Designer

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

A rollicking Wild West Elisir in Dublin that hits all the right notes

Andrew Larkin, 27th May

Donizetti heads West in Cal McCrystal's riotous, laugh-out-loud L'elisir d’amore, where dazzling singing meets cowboy capers in a gloriously zany production for Irish National Opera.

*****

Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Andrew Larkin, 23rd March

Ireland’s first Wagner opera in over a decade dazzles with a captivating production by Rachael Hewer for Irish National Opera.

****1

Terrifically strong principals in Irish National Opera’s Rigoletto

Andrew Larkin, 1st December

Michael Chioldi, Soraya Mafi and Bekhzod Davronov shine in Julien Chavez’ energetic production in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre.

****1

Strong voices shine amidst Fuchs' superficially garish Traviata

Andrew Larkin, 21st May

Strong vocals from the three principal singers and a sure musical direction from young conductor Farrell help offset some of the less than convincing elements to Olivia Fuchs' production.

***11

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Pia Maltri

Pia first fell head over heels for opera when she was a teenager by listening to recordings of some of the great voices of the past: Maria Callas, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Mirella Freni, Alfredo Kraus. She holds a degree in Italian Literature and she lives in Rome.

Scene-stealing villains in Irish National Opera's futuristic Hoffmann