by Jacques Offenbach starring
Placido Domingo direct from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden To celebrate the centenary of this romantic opera, Les contes d'Hoffmann, which has a libretto by BAR-BIER and CARRÉ based on the stories Of E. T. A. HOFFMANN, The Royal Opera is staging a new production by the distinguished film director JOHN SCHLESINGER.
Offenbach's opera concerns Hoffmann's three ill-fated loves - Olympia, the beautiful, life-like mechanical doll created by Spalanzani and Coppelius; Giulietta, the Venetian courtesan under the power of the magician Dappertutto; and Antonia, Crespel's frail daughter who is influenced by the evil Dr Miracle.
Sung in French with English sub-titles.
Georges Pretre conducts the Royal Opera Chorus chorus-master JOHN BARKER Orchestra of the Royal Opera House leader MEYER STOLOW
Introduced by HUMPHREY BURTON