OPERA CLUB
THE LATEST GRAND FINALE
by Elizabeth Reifke
In early June , a large group of Opera Club participants relished the opportunity to attend a performance of Jacques Offenbach ’ s final opera and greatest masterpiece , The Tales of Hoffmann .
We could not have had a more exciting start to this project back in March — namely , our lunch with Hoffmann himself , American tenor Matthew Polenzani ( see previous Currents issue ). Over the course of three monthly meetings ( not to mention an extra all-inone evening gathering ), we explored the fascinating , dramatic , humorous , elaborate , etc . elements and background of this work in detail .
Finally , it was time for the big event . Hoffman is the most spectacular production in the Staatsoper ’ s repertoire and was a great payoff for all of our time spent on this project , providing endless inspiration for discussion before , during , and after the show . What a joy to experience such an extraordinary masterwork in the company of so many fellow AWCH members !
Interested in attending the Staatsoper Hamburg ’ s season premiere this fall , namely Mussorgsky ’ s Boris
Godunow ? Following a historical introduction by our very own Anna Sizorina , Canadian mezzo-soprano Kady Evanyshyn will join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this developing production . We will also get the chance to talk with her and ask questions in a relaxed luncheon setting at a downtown restaurant .
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE STAATSOPER ’ S SEASON PREMIERE THIS FALL ?
28 CLUBS WITHIN OUR CLUB