PHOTO BY ELIZABETH REIFKE
In February , our Opera Club members had lunch with Olivia Boen ( center , in black suit ) at Tarantella , near the Staatsoper Hamburg .
for a fascinating contrast to Olivia ’ s observations as a newcomer . Candid about the changes he ’ s seen in the opera industry over the years , Matthew shared many fascinating stories with us about his craft and his experiences . In particular , his impressions and insights into his role as the Duca made his performance a few days later that much more engrossing for us attendees .
Matthew ’ s wit , charm , and friendliness left us feeling as if we ’ d known him for a long time . As he will be coming back to Hamburg in May to sing the eponymous role in Offenbach ’ s The Tales of Hoffmann ( the Opera Club ’ s current focus ), this lunch event was also the perfect kickoff for our brand-new opera project . We are excited for his return and looking forward to seeing and hearing him again .
NEW PROJECT
THE TALES OF
HOFFMANN
by Elizabeth Reifke
The Staatsoper Hamburg ’ s jaw-droppingly gorgeous staging of Jacques Offenbach ’ s masterwork Les Contes d ’ Hoffmann ( The Tales of Hoffmann ) makes its return to Hamburg ’ s Staatsoper in June , and the Opera Club will certainly not be missing out . First , however , as always , we will be getting together to find out all about this fantastic work . Our new project will feature a set of three regular morning meetings on the last Friday of March , April , and May . In addition , for the first time , we ’ ll be holding a single meeting on Wednesday , May 31 , for AWC members who would prefer an evening gathering in the city . We are excited to get more members involved with the Opera Club in this way . Join us to open the door to this brilliant opera — once you get to know Hoffmann , you will not be able to resist its musical charms ! Come join us !
• Regular morning group : March 31 , April 28 , May 26 — all Friday mornings , 10:00 in Hamburg-Poppenbüttel
• Single evening meeting : May 31 , 19:30 ( 7:30 ) in central Hamburg , TBA
• Performance outing : June 7 ( tentative )
For more information , contact Elizabeth Reifke at opera @ awchamburg . org
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