[Cancelled] Les Contes d'Hoffmann

This is Philippe ARLAUD's production of a whimsical love story. It is Jacques OFFENBACH's sole opera, best known for its "Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour" ("Beauteous Night, O Night of Love"), other highlights including the "Chanson de Kleinzach" ("Song of little Zaches") sung by Hoffman, and that ultimate showcase of coloratura soprano singing, the "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" ("The birds in the arbour") aria sung by Olympia. This is ARLAUD's 2003 production at the New National Theatre Tokyo. He brings added depth to the work with radiating wit and humour, as well as effective use of fluorescent colours, bringing out the sense of fantasy of the work.

This will be a noteworthy production, featuring Marko LETONJA, Music Director of Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, as conductor, and Leonardo CAPALBO who has been highly acclaimed for this role, will make his debut in NNTT. Kyle KETELSON, well-known for his Escamillo and Leporello roles, will be playing the four villains, while the rising star, mezzo soprano KOBAYASHI Yuka, will play Nicklausse and La Muse. The three soprano parts will be taken up by leading Japanese sopranos YASUI Yoko, KINOSHITA Mihoko and YOKOYAMA Keiko.