In Search of

The REAL Tales of Hoffmann

Graeme Jenkins, Music Director of The Dallas Opera

As you settle into your seat to experience one of the most popular of all French Operas, I want to make you aware of a true behind-the-scenes dilemma:  How does one present Offenbach's final opera and his one, bona fide masterpiece? When a composer lives to see the premiere of his own work - whether it's Beethoven enduring the painful premiere of Fidelio, or Verdi casting his critical eye upon Aida, or Wagner hammering home his vision of The Ring; we, with the benefit of hindsight, can refer to the completed original manuscript as well as the revisions that generally follow. However, with Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann, interpreters like me are faced with a problem of major proportions.

Composer Jacques Offenbach died in Paris during rehearsals for this piece on October 5, 1880. Repeated bouts of gout in a man of frail health finally prompted a fatal heart attack. Hoffmann, a grand "Opera Fantastique" completed by Ernest Guiraud (a New Orleans-born French composer), did not see the light of day until it premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris four months after Offenbach's death. You might be inclined to ask, "What is an opera fantastique?"  Well, remember the macabre masterpiece by Berlioz?  Symphonie Fantastique?  The opera and symphony are constructed on essentially the same premise: how an artist's uncontrolled fantasies cripple his search for genuine happiness.

In each of Hoffmann's affairs, self-destructive tendencies invariably lead to disaster.  Blinded by desire, Hoffmann is shattered when the magnificent Olympia turns out to be a mechanical doll; Giulietta, the courtesan, escapes Hoffmann's embrace on the canals - but only after draining his psyche dry.  The helpless author is unable to save even the delicate Antonia, fated to perish from the strain on her heart as she sings her lovely "swan song."  And finally, Stella, the diva, abandons Hoffmann, the drunkard, for a rich and clever suitor.

Throughout Offenbach's career, he composed with two basic ideals in mind: creating cohesive dramatic tension coupled with (and complemented by) orchestral scoring that would not overwhelm the human voice. In the century and a quarter since this opera premiered, it's been tackled by thousands of performers in hundreds of ways.  Painstaking personal research has led to the edition you will experience here on The Dallas Opera stage; an edition I am convinced accurately reflects Offenbach's original vision.

Nov 16/19 -- Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci- Performances begin at 7:30 pm

Nov 17 -- Evening with Offenbach- Featuring the insights of Music Director Graeme Jenkins and comprised of selections from Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann, the evening will feature members of The Dallas Opera's School Performances cast. Tuesday, November 17th at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Congregation Shearith Israel.

Nov 27 - Opera Insights -- The Tales of Hoffmann. Join this lively panel discussion, featuring singers, directors and designers. Recorded for broadcast on WRR 101.1.

Nov 30 - The Women's Board Founder's Lecture Series - The Tales of Hoffmann at Dallas Country Club.

Dec 1, 5, and 9 - School Performances - The Tales of Hoffmann. TDO's School Performances provide students with a fascinating glimpse of life back-stage, as scene changes are made with the curtain raised. Performances begin at 10:30 am.

See complete calendar & event details!

Share the excitement of The Dallas Opera's 2005-06 Season with family and friends!

Purchasing gift certificates at the Box Office!

Gift certificates are available in any amount and are redeemable at any time. Call the Box Office today at         214-443-1000!

We Propose a Toast...

The next event will be sampling delicious wines! Join Amici di Opera, TDO's young professionals group, to get in on all the fun. Click here for more information!

FOOLED YOU!!

You had some incredible choices in this poll. Take a look at who fooled the audience the most and had the Best Disguise Among Last Season's Productions.

Texas Ties - We'd like to say a quick "howdy" to a few familiar faces in the remarkable cast of The Tales of Hoffmann. These performers have been around the world - taking the stage in some of the most famous opera houses. They're ready to give you an unforgettable performance!

Join TDO for another "Evening with Offenbach!"

Once you've experienced the magic of Jacques Offenbach, it's guaranteed to make you hungry for more. So, for those who can't wait for The Dallas Opera's The Tales of Hoffmann, December 2nd through the 10th, we offer a delectable musical appetizer!

The Dallas Opera and Congregation Shearith Israel are pleased to announce an extraordinary collaboration and an exceptional evening of music to complement our main offering: "An Evening with Jacques Offenbach!" Tuesday, November 17, 2005, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Congregation Shearith Israel, located at 9401 Douglas Avenue in Dallas. See calendar for more details!

BON VOYAGE!

During our "off season," staff members here at The Dallas Opera pack their bags for travels to foreign lands. Here are some tips that we think can make your next voyage a great one. The next time you're in:

1. London - take a day trip down to Horley for a drink and fantastic pub grub at Ye Olde Six Bells (dates back to the 14th century)!

2. Dresden, Germany- enjoy a delicious meal and micro-brewed beer at Restaurant Kleppereck (it's in the old part of town). Read all of the travel tips!

Red Carnations

Six music graduate students at SMU will gain experience as opera singers through the Emerging Artists Program, a collaboration between SMU and The Dallas Opera.

The singers were cast for Red Carnations, a one-act opera by Robert Baksa. Commissioned by Lincoln Center for the Metropolitan Opera Studio, Red Carnations was originally composed for voices and piano, so it travels easily and is regarded as a wonderful introduction to opera audiences of all ages. The production will be performed for schools around D/FW. The program is ideal for a variety of functions including corporate, church, social clubs, retirement communities and special events.

Gifts That Last Forever

How will we be remembered? Have we made a difference in anyone's life? What legacy will we leave of our time on earth? These are questions we often ponder.

There is a way to leave a legacy that will touch thousands of lives each year and tell the world what you treasured. When you include The Dallas Opera in your will or estate plan, you leave your mark on an organization of artistic excellence.

A Delicious Start to Your Night Out at The Dallas Opera

Il Mulino, voted the #1 Italian restaurant in New York City for the last consecutive 19 of 22 years (Zagat Survey), is now serving large portions of your favorite dishes at 2408 Cedar Springs!

Il Mulino opened February 2004 and was voted the "Best Italian Restaurant" by the Dallas Observer 2004, 2005! Call 214-855-5511 to inquire about dinner reservations. Take a look at the menu at www.ilmulinodallas.com.